Oldham College was established in 1893 following a donation from the Platt family who were famously manufacturers of textile machinery. Their generosity led to the institution of the school for art and science in Oldham Town Centre.

Today we offer an extensive range of qualifications in a variety of curriculum areas including Digital & Creative, Performing Arts & Media, Financial & Professional Services, Sport, Travel & Uniformed Public Services, Construction & the Built Environment, Caring Professions and Retail & Commercial.

Alongside the Further Education base, we also provide the University Campus Oldham providing Higher Education to Post-Graduate level across a wide range of subjects.

We work closely with employers to provide relevant, high-level skills development and, ultimately highly employable students. Over recent years, we have invested over £22million in our campus and facilities. We are delighted to have three new buildings with state of the art facilities for students to use and enjoy. Each year we are happy to welcome almost 10,000 students across our full and part-time courses.

Values and Vision

Oldham College believes in the value of ambition, courage, responsiveness, integrity, and inclusion. These values provide a solid foundation for students and for staff to develop the knowledge and skill sets to move forward successfully.

The College in Oldham offers exceptional traineeships and apprenticeships allowing students to gain vital work experience in the areas of the digital arena, construction and the built environment, retail and commercial industry, sport, travel and public services as well as the performing arts and media.

We offer excellent training and development opportunities for colleagues including our newly developed Teaching for Distinction programme for teaching staff.

Ofsted 

Leaders, governors and managers work well with employers and other partners to inform and develop the curriculum, which is responsive to local needs and skills priorities. Learners’ behaviour is good; they build positive relationships with their teachers and peers in an environment or mutual respect and tolerance.