Bedford College (Bedford)

Bedford College is a further education college in the Cauldwell area of Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. It is the only college in the Borough of Bedford.

History of Bedford College

Further Education courses have been provided on Bedford College's Cauldwell Street site under some name since World War II, although its roots can be traced to the founding of Bedford Training College for Teachers in 1882. [ [http://www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/history/ University of Bedfordshire - History and Locations - Bedford Campus] ] Following construction of the college's six-storey tower block, opened on 19th June 1959, the College became known as Mander College of Further Education. The college was named after Sir Frederick Mander, who was Chairman of Bedfordshire County Council at the time of the tower's construction. The tower was erected at a cost of £282,510, plus £4,085 for external works. [ "Memories of Bedford" (1999), Elland: True North Books Limited. ISBN 1-900463-83-0]

In 1976 the college combined with two teacher training institutions to form the split-site Bedford College of Higher Education. The college remained in this form until 1992, when Further Education colleges achieved independent status from Local Education Authorities. Bedford College was formed as a Further Education Institute to concentrate on provision within this sector, remaining at the Cauldwell Street campus. The Higher Education areas of the college separated in 1994 to become the Bedford campus of the De Montfort University, but later merged with the University of Luton to form the University of Bedfordshire [ [http://www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/history/ University of Bedfordshire - History and Locations - Bedford Campus] ] . Bedford College retains some Higher Education provision, and provides a number of foundation degrees and select teaching qualifications in association with the University of Bedfordshire. [ [http://www.bedford.ac.uk/contact/downloads/downloads/degree_level_0809.pdf Bedford College - Degree-Level & Professional Programmes] ]

Bedford College today

Bedford College now offers a wide range of qualifications including GCSEs, A Levels, Apprenticeships, Access to Higher Education courses and Foundation Education. [ [http://www.bedford.ac.uk/courses/qualsframework Bedford College - Qualifications available] ]

The areas of study include -

* Art, Design & Media Studies
* Business & Professional studies
* Care, Childcare & Counselling
* Computing
* Construction & Building Services
* Engineering
* English as a Second Language
* Floristry
* Hair, Beauty & Holistic therapies
* Hospitality & Catering
* Languages
* Motor vehicles
* Performing Arts
* Public services
* Sciences
* Sport
* Teacher training
* Travel & Tourism

Arts and Threatre Centre

The new £6 million South Bank Arts Centre is part of a £60 million development programme at the college's main site and features specialist fine art, ceramic and 3D studios, a multimedia suite, graphic design studios, a TV studio, photographic studios, video, audio control and sound recording facilities, an editing suite and a fully-equipped studio theatre. The new centre bringing together artists, designers, stylists, performers, actors, dancers, musicians, music technologists, and film makers under one roof.

Enterprise House & Learning Shops

As well as the main site on Cauldwell Street, Bedford College operates Enterprise House on Old Ford End Road in Queens Park, Bedford. This small adult education centre offers part time courses for the local community in Queens Park. Bedford College also operates three 'Learning Shops' located in the town centres of Bedford, Luton and Rushden which offer IT skills and courses.

John Bunyan School

In January 2008 it was announced that Bedford College (with the Harpur Trust) intends to sponsor John Bunyan Upper School (a state comprehensive school in Bedford) thereby turning the school into an Academy. This was confirmed by Bedfordshire County Council the following June. [ [http://www.bedsonsunday.com/bedsonsunday%2Dnews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=319261 Bedfordshire on Sunday > News > Harpur Trust set to take over John Bunyan] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.bedford.ac.uk/ Bedford College Official Website]
* [http://www.bedford.ac.uk/employertraining Bedford College Training Solutions for Employers microsite]