Another Great Academic Year at Salford City College

I say it every year, but every academic year really does seem to go by much quicker than the last.  Perhaps it's because the cycle is known, the continual changes mean speedier change of direction, the external landscape is greatly different and indeed the pace becomes quicker.  Having worked for 20 years in colleges, I am still surprised and impressed at the ridiculously amazing talent that comes and leaves each year.  The dedication and hard work from students and the tireless support from staff all resulted this year in Salford City College being the number 1 GFE College in Greater Manchester (read more) - what an achievement! Outcomes of the Area Based Review propose, and the Corporation accept, that Salford City College should remain stand alone - our results, plans and finances certainly place us well.

There have been many highlights this year, Ofsted (Ofsted report) came to visit and confirmed we are 'good', data confirmed that Salford City College is the Number 1 College for all learner categories (16-18, adult and apprenticeships), transformational work has started (see more) as part of a ￡9m investment and our Annual Review (see Annual Report) showcased results and student performances. There have been to many highlights to cover - but perhaps some of the very best include: Music on the Quays, A-Level results 2015 showcased on TV, Media students make finals at WorldSkills, Flash mobs at MediaCity and Manchester Arndale and BTEC student winning Science Student of the Year.

Students have supported the college throughout the year.  New for 2015/16 was the set up of our Student Ambassador Programme and our Volunteer Task

Force.  Students have supported a number of activities, including a daily litter pick around our Pendleton Sixth Form Centre.  I have enjoyed working with the students and here you can many of the team in action.  The contribution from students is great, always so willing and keen to support staff and clearly proud to showcase their college.

Students will be formally thanked for their contributions at the Annual Awards Event, the last event of the academic year on Tuesday 5 July.

Also new for 2015/16 has been Principal's Question Time - an opportunity for all students to put their questions to CEO/Principal John Spindler - great feedback to enable us to do even better by looking at the key areas that really impact on students.

Work on the ￡9m investment will certainly be the priority this summer and indeed the work required to repair fire damage to our Pendleton Sixth Form Centre.  Saf Arfan and his team have ambitious plans to give students at Salford City College the very best facilities in which to learn.  New facilities will include Digital Learning Zones, social areas, gyms, health and social care rooms, new hair and beauty salons and a new animal management centre.  Lots of refurbishing will take place beyond summer 2016 and a continual refurbishment programme put in place.

Above - students perform at Damson @MediaCityUK

So as we end 2015/16 at the end of year awards at The Lowry on Tuesday, we can look back on 2014/15 and feel proud at the amazing achievements of our students and the on-going success and developments being made.