The Manchester College collects Queen’s Anniversary Prize

The Manchester College presented with the prestigious award for contributions to Further Education by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. 

The Manchester College collected the Queen’s Anniversary Prize at a ceremony at St James’s Palace on Thursday 17 February. The award recognises the positive impact the College’s work has on the communities it serves and the wider benefits it delivers to Greater Manchester through its career focused technical education curriculum that is delivered in partnership with employers and providing students with the opportunity to undertake extended work placements.

The highest possible honour for further and higher education institutions to receive, the Queen’s Anniversary Prize is granted every two years by Her Majesty the Queen, providing recognition of the work undertaken by whole institutions. 

Commenting on collecting the prize at St James’s Palace, Principal Lisa O’Loughlin commented: “We are proud and honoured to receive the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of the significant and positive contributions that The Manchester College makes to the Greater Manchester community through the provision of a high-quality technical education that prepares citizens of all ages for a successful and rewarding career.

“To be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen with the most prestigious award for our sector is a truly outstanding achievement that acknowledges the high-quality education that we work relentlessly to deliver to raise aspirations and ensure that nobody is left behind as the city’s economy continues to go from strength to strength."

It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of everyone who works for the College that we have achieved this honour. It not only gives us a sense of great pride but also inspires us to continue in our mission to ensure that we help all our students – regardless of background and starting point – to set aspirational goals and acquire the skills they need to go on to become the next generation of industry excellence.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prize was set up in 1993 and are awarded bi-annually. They are now in their 14th round of awards and since approval by Parliament with cross-party support, there has been 49 Further Education college winners, putting the College in elite company.