Our College Your Memories
As the college looks to the future we are keen to celebrate our heritage and to learn about the memories from those within the local community who have a connection with us.
College Spokesperson Carly Jones explained, “The college sites have become a big part of the Rotherham community for many years with countless memories made, not necessarily linking to education. Throughout the years, education in Rotherham has transformed since the college first opened its doors in 1930 under the name Rotherham Technical College.”
The college has employed a number of principals over the years including Frederick Charles Clarke the Founding Principal of Rotherham Technical College in 1930. George Trow headed up Rotherham College of Arts and Technology between 2005 and 2010 and the current Principal and Chief Executive is now Gill Alton.
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| Frederick Charles Clarke |
George Trow |
Gill Alton |
We celebrated a memorable occasion back in 1961 when His Royal Highness Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the Clifton building.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S TOUR OF ROTHERHAM AND SHEFFIELD
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The Town Centre Campus buildings as we know them today have undergone significant transformations during the 1930’s 1960’s and 1980’s. The campus expanded, business and houses within the local community were replaced so that Rotherham town centre could house the Eastwood Building, Clifton Building, Howard Building and now the new Wentworth Building.
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| The Eastwood Building |
The Clifton Building |
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| The Howard Building |
The Wentworth Building |
Employees within the college had many memories to share including John O’Connor, Estates Premises Coordinator who explained,
“When I started working at the technical college in the electrical engineering department in 1973 the markets had only just opened.”
Sue Horner, Head of Skills for Work & Life was also able to take a trip down memory lane.
“Over the years, generations of people have lived near, worked at, studied at or have memories of the site. No doubt my grandmother; who lived on Eastwood Lane before moving to Wharncliffe Street would remember the Howard Building being built and how important it was to the town. You only have to compare how busy the town centre is now in term time, with how quiet it is during the holidays to know that the college is still the hub of the town and of its surrounding communities.”
Rotherham College of Arts and Technology has provided the perfect stepping stone for many of our students who have gone on to have successful careers within a variety of industries.