Four years ago, the College received a ‘Satisfactory’ rating. Under the guidance of Principal Derek O’Toole, staff across the College pulled together to deliver an aspirational programme of improvements to raise standards significantly across the College since then.

The hard work paid off, both in terms of the year-on-year improvement in success rates for learners and in terms of this latest inspection. The inspectors noted that Hopwood Hall College is now good across the board, both in terms of its learners' achievements and areas such as its leadership and management.

An area of particular pride for Hopwood Hall is the way it involves its learners in the running of their college; to their delight OFSTED stated “Engagement with learners is outstanding. An innovative feature is the Student Leadership Team which plays a significant part in the life of the College. Learners are fully involved in the strategic and operational processes of the College.”

Hopwood Hall College was also highly praised for the sense of ambition that runs through the organisation. Staff and learners are aiming high and this is already being reflected in their successes.

Derek O’Toole summed up the reaction at the College to the report; “We are thrilled with this report. It reflects the massive amount of work we have done to raise standards and our overall success rates are good and, we predict, will soon be outstanding. Our feedback from learners is extremely positive and we are delighted by OFSTED’s recognition of this with its ‘Outstanding’ rating for learner engagement. We feel the Borough now has a College it can be really proud of.”

Hopwood Hall College is one of Greater Manchester's leading Colleges, offering a wide range of part-time, further and higher education courses. Significant, ongoing investment in the facilities at both the Rochdale and Middleton campuses ensures that learners have the best possible opportunities for progression. 

Places are still available at Hopwood Hall College - please call for more information.