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Julia Heap What are your plans for the college?

“It is important that we provide an environment that is a bridge
between school and university or employment for school
Hopwood Hall Principal leavers but, equally important, is growing our offer for adults. Our
courses are perfect for anyone looking to return to study to boost
their chances or change their career path, as well as for those
who simply want to try something different. We offer access and
March 2020 marks a year since Julia Heap became Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall university level courses, including a new HND in business and a
College. Real Rochdale finds out more about her first year in the post. HNC in policing. Opting to stay local for higher education makes
great sense as our successful alumni continually prove, not least
because of our affordable tuition fees.”
After a busy first year what are the things you are students of all ages to come and feel happy about
proudest of so far? themselves and their progress. I want to see students What does Hopwood Hall mean to you?
discover a sense of empowerment – to learn new
“I feel proud every day, but our end of year Further skills in our nurturing environment, to develop and “It means a great deal to me. It is a wonderful place to work,
Education awards, results days and our Higher be the very best they can be. Hopefully, they can go where student individuality is valued and everything is geared
Education graduation ceremony all stand out for me. on to help Rochdale thrive too. towards maximising both student and staff potential. I am proud
They are each about the culmination of all of that to be establishing initiatives that are creating a legacy and Julia Heap - Hopwood Hall Principal
hard work and having been part of that journey is ex- “Education is about more than what you learn in the developing student and staff capabilities. The future for
tremely rewarding. The times when we have enabled classroom and that is why I am delighted to see our Hopwood Hall really excites me.”
students to feel empowered are always the best.” enrichment offer growing. Enrichment is important
as it helps grow confidence and I believe that it is What advice would you offer to anyone thinking about college?
What is your vision for the college? confidence that drives success. We aim to have
something for every type of learner to delve into, “Come and explore your future. Our next open events are: 10am – 1pm Saturday 28 March and 4pm – 7pm on
“Fundamentally, the college should be a safe from ‘sing your heart out’ sessions to ‘woodland 23 April. Hope to see you there.”
environment where students and staff thrive. I want experiences’ and lots more.”

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