Hopwood Hall College

We were delighted to welcome a distinguished group of guests to Hopwood Hall College, showcasing the vital role that further education plays in supporting the ambitions of Rochdale Borough, Atom Valley and the wider North East Greater Manchester economy.

Our visitors included Lord Smith, in his role as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge; Lord Bassam, Place Director at Business in the Community; Tom Levinson, Head of Widening Participation and Collaborative Outreach at the University of Cambridge; Chris Minogue, Strategic Partnership Manager at Business in the Community; and Chris Dobbs, Director of the Atom Valley Education Challenge Consortium (AVECC).

The visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how Hopwood Hall College has aligned and designed its curriculum offer to meet the evolving needs of our borough and the opportunities emerging through Atom Valley. This includes the introduction of higher-level apprenticeships and our innovative BSc Engineering, Technology & Innovation programme, ensuring learners can access high-quality pathways into priority growth sectors.

We were proud to showcase how we work collaboratively with partners across the borough, including Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Council, Rochdale Sixth Form College, employers and schools, to create opportunities that enable our students and communities to thrive. Through excellent teaching, industry-standard facilities, and investment in cutting-edge equipment, we are helping learners develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to access opportunities both within Rochdale and across the wider region.

Most importantly, our guests met the people who make Hopwood Hall College such a special place – our outstanding staff, talented students and dedicated apprentices – who demonstrated first-hand the impact of an ambitious, employer-focused education.

The visit also highlighted how our work aligns with the wider strategic vision of the Atom Valley Investment Zone and the transformative opportunities it will bring to our communities.

As a special bonus, our guests were given a sneak preview inside the newly restored Chapel, which is set to become a truly exceptional new learning space for our students. A huge thank you to HH Smith Ltd for their support in helping bring this exciting project to life.

Thank you to all our visitors, partners, staff and students that helped make the day such a success. Together, we are building the skills, talent and opportunities that will shape the future of Rochdale and beyond.

Have you made your choice yet?

If you received all your university or college decisions by 13 May, you must reply to your offers by 3 June (today) – otherwise, your choices will be automatically declined.

Here’s what to do:

- Log into UCAS Track
- Choose your firm choice
- Add insurance choice
- Submit before the deadline (6pm)

Don’t miss the deadline to secure your place – if you have any questions about the process, feel free to drop us a DM.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

With temperatures soaring across Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are urging residents not to swim or jump into open water.

Even strong swimmers can suffer cold water shock, which can kill in just 60 seconds, and underwater currents or hidden hazards could drag you under.

Stay safe - stay out of open waters.

Today, on the anniversary of his death, we remember former Hopwood Hall College student Fusilier Lee Rigby.

Lee will never be forgotten and is always in our thoughts.

Today our thoughts are with the 22 people who lost their lives nine years ago and all those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing.

We will always remember them.

Please note that due to ongoing traffic disruption on routes to campus, all college bus services will begin operating 15 minutes earlier than scheduled from tomorrow (Wednesday 20 May).

This change is being introduced to help minimise delays and support students arriving on time, particularly during the exam period.

The new timetable will remain in place for the rest of the academic year.

Please check your updated bus times and allow extra time for travel where possible:https://www.hopwood.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Bus-Timetable-MAY26.pdf