Strategic Plan 2026-2031

Hopwood Hall College’s Economic Impact

At Hopwood Hall College, we see every day the difference that education and skills training can make. We see young people discovering new opportunities, adults building confidence and changing career paths, apprentices developing the skills employers need, and communities becoming stronger through learning. Those individual stories of ambition, resilience and achievement are at the heart of everything we do.

We are proud to serve Rochdale, a borough with a rich history, a strong sense of identity and an exciting future. As the birthplace of the co-operative movement, Rochdale has long been associated with opportunity, self-improvement and community spirit. Today, that same pioneering ethos can be seen in the ambitions being realised across the borough, from the regeneration of Rochdale town centre to the opportunities emerging through Atom Valley, the Mayoral Development Zone and wider investment across Greater Manchester.

These developments have the potential to transform our local economy and create opportunities for future generations. However, the success of that transformation will ultimately depend on people. It will depend on ensuring that local residents have the skills, knowledge and confidence to access new opportunities and that employers have access to the talented workforce they need to grow and thrive. That is where Hopwood Hall College has a vital role to play.

Working closely with employers, local authorities, community organisations and partners across Greater Manchester, we are helping to develop the workforce that will power the economy of tomorrow. Through our commitment to technical education, apprenticeships, higher-level skills and lifelong learning, we are ensuring that local people can play a full part in the future prosperity of our region. The priorities identified through the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan further reinforce the importance of ensuring that skills remain at the heart of economic growth and social mobility.

This report, prepared independently by London Economics, provides compelling evidence of the impact that Hopwood Hall College has on Rochdale, Greater Manchester and beyond. It estimates that the College generated £388 million of economic impact during 2024-25, creating around £10 of economic value for every £1 spent. Whilst these figures are significant, they represent something much more important: lives changed, careers launched, businesses supported and communities strengthened.

Behind every statistic is a learner who has gained the confidence to succeed, an apprentice developing valuable technical expertise, an adult returning to education or an employer investing in the future of their workforce. These are the outcomes that matter most and the reason why further education remains such a powerful force for positive change.

This report demonstrates the substantial contribution that Hopwood Hall College already makes to our communities, but it also highlights the opportunity that lies ahead. As Rochdale continues its journey of growth and renewal, we are proud to stand alongside our partners in helping to build a more prosperous, inclusive and ambitious future.

I would like to thank London Economics for undertaking this analysis and, most importantly, recognise the dedication of our staff, governors, learners, employers and partners. Their commitment, passion and belief in the power of education make this impact possible.

Together, we are helping to create opportunities, transform lives and power the future of Rochdale.

Julia Heap OBE
Principal and Chief Executive
Hopwood Hall College

Click here or the image below to see the full report.