Loughborough College

Loughborough College is a general further education college located in Leicestershire, England which offers a range of courses including further education, higher education, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.

Loughborough College
TypeGeneral FE
Established1909
PrincipalJo Maher
Address
Radmoor Road
,
Loughborough
,
Leicestershire
,
England
ColoursBlue
Websitewww.loucoll.ac.uk

History

In 1909-1910 there were 483 enrolled students for the inaugural academic year. They studied building, engineering and science courses, commercial and domestic subjects and art/art teaching qualifications.

The original college site was partially demolished in 1982 to make way for Loughborough’s Sainsbury's shopping centre.

In its early years, Loughborough College built an excellent reputation for its engineering provision with innovative courses such as the five-year Mechanical Engineering which led to the prestigious Diploma of Loughborough College (DLC). This reputation has been enhanced and sustained to the present day – Loughborough College is JTL's preferred training provider for both engineering and electrical installation.

Loughborough has long been associated with sport. This association was instigated by Principal of Loughborough Technical College Herbert Schofield, who in 1918 convinced the county to acquire 14 acres of land for sports pitches and facilities. Despite not being a University, Loughborough Technical College sports teams were admitted to the Universities Athletics Union and excelled in competition. The land is now part of the Loughborough University Campus playing fields.

The past principals of Loughborough College are Charles Laws (1909-1915), Herbert Schofield (1915-1950), Major-General W.F. Hasted (1951-1952), G.J.D. Schumach (1952-1953), Dan Lysaght (1953-1960), Dr. Fred Lester (1961-1975), Donald Hutchings (1976-1988), Harold Wilkinson (1988-1993), Jim Mutton (1993-2012),[1] Esme Winch (2012-2015), Heather MacDonald (2015–2017), Colin Butler took on the role of Acting Principal in (2017) and again in (2020). John Doherty (2017-2020). Jo Maher joined as Principal and Chief Executive in April 2020.

The college today

Further education courses

Loughborough College offers further education courses across a number of different subject areas including beauty, Business, childcare, creative industries & computing, electrical installation, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality & catering, leisure, travel & aviation, motor vehicles, music, performing arts, public services and sport.[2]

Emphasising the importance of employability, the College offers students the opportunity to gain real work experience as part of their course.[3] Placements are available onsite in the College's restaurant, fitness studios and hair & beauty salons. Students also have the option to gain experience with established local companies through the College's links with external organisations. Courses are aimed at young adults and mature students alike.[4]

Sixth Form

The College's Sixth Form offers a wide range of GCSEs and A Levels. In 2012 99% of the College's GCSE students gained passes overall, with students studying GCSEs in English Language, Maths, Biology, Science and ICT gaining a 100% pass rate.[5] In the same year, over 98% of the College's A Level students achieved a pass and students in 15 subjects gained 100% pass rates.[6]

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are offered to anyone over the age of 16 and not in full-time education. Loughborough College have a range of apprenticeships at intermediate, advanced and higher levels. These courses are recommended for students who wish to gain practical skills in a working environment whilst earning a wage.[7]

Higher education

Loughborough College offers a number of different university level courses in subject areas including:

  • Business, leadership & management
  • Childcare
  • Engineering
  • Music
  • Sport
  • Teacher training

Courses are delivered full-time and part-time, and span a range of levels including HNCs, HNDs, foundation degrees and BA (Hons), BSc (Hons) and Top-Up Degrees.[8] The College also has its own halls of residence allowing students to live on campus.[9]

Professional qualifications

Professional qualifications are designed to help individuals boost their CVs and gain valuable skills. Many of the courses are offered in association with professional bodies including the Association of Accountant Technicians (AAT), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

Courses for businesses

Loughborough College also has an Employer Engagement Team who work in partnership with businesses to provide training.

Facilities

Accommodation

The College offers on campus accommodation for both FE and HE students. Residences are situated within walking distance of both the College and the town centre. Additional facilities include a common room with ping pong, TV and Xbox as well as an outdoor space for picnics and BBQs.

Halls of residence

Halls include a total of 170 single bedrooms in a purpose-built complex (including a block specifically designed for under 18s). Layouts range from six-person units with a shared shower, toilet and kitchen to five/six-bedroom units with en-suite bathrooms and shared kitchen amenities.[10]

Living in homestay

Homestay is offered to students who want to live with a family in Loughborough. This kind of accommodation is valuable for students from overseas.[11]

Elite Athlete Performance Centre

The EAPC is a restored listed building that provides a total of 17 en-suite rooms for elite sports students under the age of 18. Refurbished to allow for student living, facilities include an expansive living space, shared kitchen and free laundry amenities.[12]

Radmoor Centre

Adjacent to the main college building, the Radmoor Centre houses a range of sports facilities including over 50 workout stations, an indoor cycling studio, dance and aerobics areas, a fully equipped gym, a large sports hall, a 3G Astroturf pitch, a sauna and steam room, and a number of athlete consultation rooms.

The Radmoor Centre also has a hair and beauty salon called 'Elite' which provides professional treatments. A restaurant and bar offer dining for students and the general public.[13] Both of these are largely staffed by Loughborough students.

Radmoor Day Nursery

The Radmoor Day Nursery offers a full daycare facility for children up to school age. Situated on the college campus, the nursery is ideal for those living and working in the area and also for those studying and working in Loughborough College.[14]

Technology Centre

Loughborough College Technology Centre, built-in 2008, caters for engineering, motor vehicle and electrical installation students. There are a number of classrooms and eight large workshops equipped with a range of high-tech equipment. The main engineering workshop is the largest of its kind in the East Midlands.

Campus development

The Hub

Loughborough College secured a funding bid for a £15m development in 2013. It provided a new central facility for students, staff and visitors referred to as The Hub.

This development was completed alongside a purpose-built Visual and Performance Arts Centre bringing together creative arts facilities including technology, media, art, photography, music and performing arts.

Construction was completed in September 2014.[15]

Student union

Loughborough Students' Union is celebrated as the largest Union in the country and has previously been voted world No.1 for experience in the Student Barometer Survey.

The LSU gives all learners the opportunity to join over 100 different clubs and societies.

Notable alumni

Loughborough College has a number of notable alumni, most of whom are known for their sporting achievements.

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See also

References
  1. Loughborough College, A Centenary History 1909 - 2009 (2009), Leonard Cantor. ISBN 978 0 947974 90 9
  2. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk
  3. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/college-information/about-college
  4. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/college-information/about-college
  5. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/courses/gcses#
  6. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/courses/as-and-a2-levels
  7. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
  8. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/courses/higher-education
  9. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/student-services/accommodation
  10. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/student-services/accommodation#
  11. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/student-services/accommodation#
  12. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/student-services/accommodation#
  13. http://www.radmoorcentre.com/
  14. http://www.radmoornursery.co.uk/about-us/
  15. http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/college-information/about-college#
  16. "Rio 2016: Kilty says team ran their hearts out". Loughborough College. 20 August 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  17. "Our athletes | London 2012 Games | Loughborough University". www.lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  18. "FE students add to Team GB Olympic medal haul". FE Week. Retrieved 22 August 2016.

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