Skip to main content
50th anniversary

50th Anniversary Celebrated

50th Anniversary Celebrated

Solihull Sixth Form College is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and this week current and former staff came together to mark the milestone.

The College opened in 1974 when the grammar school system was replaced with comprehensives. Eight comprehensive schools were formed out of the previous grammar and secondary modern schools, with Solihull Sixth Form College being built as the centre of excellence for 16-18 education. Since then, tens of thousands of young people have passed through the doors, seeking a stepping stone onto university, further training and employment.

College Principal Martin Sullivan was joined by four former principals in David Jackson, John Korzeniewski, Colleen Chater and Paul Ashdown for a tree-planting ceremony at the Widney Manor Road campus. Five species of native British trees were planted to mark the 50 years of teaching and learning excellence.

Hundreds of other current and former employees, together with distinguished guests and colleagues from Summit Learning Trust, joined the event. This included Clive Stone Deputy-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and the Mayor of Solihull Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE. Summit Learning Trust Chief Executive Vince Green was also present to welcome governors and trustees from Summit Learning Trust for this celebration.

A Student Band entertained guests with musical performances and current learners were also on hand to offer tours of the campus to former members of staff, who wished to see how the College has changed since they taught at the College.

College Principal Martin Sullivan commented:

“It is a huge privilege to be Principal of Solihull Sixth Form College, especially as we celebrate 50 years of this fantastic institution. During my 14 years at the College, I have always been proud of my colleagues and of our learners, not to mention the ethos we have fostered here. Not only is this a college that demands and achieves excellent academic success, but we are also a caring place to work and study.

“This college truly is a place where people can be themselves, knowing that their choices, achievements and individuality are celebrated. Being part of Summit Learning Trust, has cemented the College’s position where it can continue to look forward to a bright future, influencing the lives of many more young people in the years to come.”

12 July 2024