All about: Eccles college

Eccles College was an English further education college which was situated in the Manchester suburb of Eccles. It recently ceased to exist as an autonomous, separate entity and is now a fully incorporated part of Salford City College. What follows is a handy guide to all about Eccles College, what it was and what it is today.

History and location

Eccles College existed separately from 1973 until its merger into Salford City College in January 2009. Its site is now known as the Eccles Sixth Form Centre. When this took place, Eccles College and Salford College had their corporations dissolved, with their assets and staff being transferred to nearby Pendleton college's administration. Pendleton College was then renamed to 'Salford City College'. Facilities The Eccles Sixth Form Centre is located on Chatsworth Road in Eccles. The newly developed site has some high-quality facilities to offer, not least of which is the amount of open space on campus. As well as a performing arts theatre and music areas, a modern language laboratory, science laboratories and a flood-lit astroturf and sports hall, there is also a range of specialist information technology facilities including a computer repair centre and a specialist animal care centre.

Learning and lifestyle

Salford City College functions as a fairly typical English further education college, with students being offered the opportunity to study for 'A' and 'AS' Levels, as well as re-taking post -16 qualifications such as Mathematics and English GCSEs. There are also a number of vocational courses on offer to potential applicants. More about the college The college works with a number of local businesses and other public facilities to improve what it can offer students, and enjoys a close professional relationship with the Salford Royal Hospital. The college also recently opened the Folly Brook Garden Shop and its student-run cafe to local residents. This allowed students on the Skills for Working Life courses to show the positive outcomes of their vocational studies to the local community. Students The Eccles Centre looks to equip its students with practical work-related skills as well as boosting their academic progress. Students have in the past been offered the chance to attend workshops run by leading scientists, doctors, nurses and other professionals as well as politicians and leading business types. Dr Nikos Savvas currently functions as the centre principal at the Eccles Sixth Form Centre.