Bolton College

History and the beginning of the rich tapestry of Further Education 

Early Origins (1820s):

Bolton's educational history begins with the establishment of Mechanics' Institutes in the 1820s, aimed at educating working people.

Technical College (1952):

Bolton Technical College officially opened on April 4, 1952.

Further Education and Community Education (1982, 1990):

Further education colleges in the borough merged in 1982, and the formation of the Community Education Service in 1990 saw Bolton Council's focus turn towards providing vocational and training courses.

Bolton College (1990s - Present):

Bolton College, as it was known then, focused on vocational and training courses, preparing students for the workforce.

University of Bolton Merger (2018)

Bolton College merged with the University of Bolton on August 1, 2018, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the University.

Current Status Bolton College, now a part of the University of Bolton, continues to offer a range of courses, including vocational education, work-based learning, ESOL courses, Diplomas, apprenticeships, Access courses, and Higher Education courses.

In 1959 the college gained academic status and was approved by the University of Manchester.

The college split, in 1963, to become Bolton Technical College and the Bolton Institute of Technology (now the university). Dr A G Peace was appointed principal of Bolton Technical College. 1971 an additional building was added to the side of the main building. A technology block and sports hall opened and this would later become the Excel Centre.

In 1982 all further education colleges in the borough merged, with the exception of the Institute of Technology, Manchester Road became Bolton Metropolitan College, Mr Colin Terry was appointed principal based at Clarence Street but moved to Manchester Road in

September.

The Community Education Service was formed in 1990 and Bolton Council’s focus was now on vocational training and education.

Refurbishment gave the college a new guidance centre to offer new and existing students careers advice and in 1993 principal Terry Hogan officially opened the college’s revamped library and the college gained its independence from Bolton Council and becomes Bolton

College.

On March 4, 2009 the Government gave the green light for the new building in Deane Road and on April 1, 2010 Bolton Community College was rebranded to Bolton College in

preparation for the new building being erected. On September 6, 2010, Manchester Road closed its doors for the last time and on September 13, Deane Road opened its doors for the first day of term.

Further Education in Bolton in the 21st century

Green Technologies

Bolton College continues to grow and flourish, serving the needs of the community and the wider areas. New courses and investment in the college and resources to meet local and national needs. Courses available are plentiful and can be found HERE