College marks 1st anniversary of merger

4th February 2019

February 1st marked one year since Stratford-upon-Avon College officially merged with Solihull College & University Centre.

The merger has ushered in an exciting new era for both Solihull and Stratford, with new courses and progression opportunities available for students and greater support on offer to the local business community with the development of new apprenticeship schemes.

Benefitting from the newly-merged College’s impressive investment capacity, Stratford’s IT infrastructure has been upgraded across campus, improving facilities for staff and learning opportunities for students. Investment will also make possible the upcoming Stratford campus renovation.

College principal and chief operating officer
John Callaghan, Principal of Stratford-upon-Avon College and Solihull College & University Centre, with Lindsey Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Stratford-upon-Avon College

Since the merger, the College has enjoyed considerable success. Students gained highly impressive results last August: for example, across the College’s Creative Arts programmes at Stratford, 100% of learners gained their qualification, with the majority receiving top Merit or Distinction grades.

More recently, November and January’s open events were attended by a record number of visitors who were able to experience a taste of campus life and sample the range of courses on offer.

As the College celebrates the first anniversary under its new leadership at Stratford, Lindsey Stewart, Chief Operating Officer, commented: “It has been a great pleasure leading a reinvigorated Stratford-upon-Avon College. I always believed in the merger’s potential, but the past year has proved to be even more exciting and successful than I hoped. Thanks to the merger with Solihull, we have introduced an enhanced curriculum and greater apprenticeship opportunities, and I look forward to many more years in which we constantly improve our service to the whole of the local community.”

As it enters its second post-merger year, the College is certain to go from strength to strength, with new investments in construction and the Outpost, an employer hub based in Solihull.

For more information on the College, please visit www.stratford.ac.uk and www.solihull.ac.uk or visit the College’s next open events.

Solihull College & University Centre – Blossomfield Campus: Tuesday 5th March, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Solihull College & University Centre – Woodlands Campus: Wednesday 6th March, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Stratford-upon-Avon College: Wednesday 27th March, 5.30 – 7.30pm