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The Story Behind Trafford & Stockport College Group 


The Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG) was formed on the basis of 
two college mergers in three years: 

  • In 2018, Stockport College and Trafford College merged to form The Trafford College Group 
  • In 2021, Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College joined the Group, leading to the formation of TSCG 


Today, TSCG:
 

  • Serves over 13,000 students 
  • Works with over 1,000 employers 
  • Employs over 900 colleagues 
  • Has an annual turnover of around £60m 

Yet our history is very rich and goes back far much further than the “two mergers in three years.”

Trafford College

Trafford College itself was the result of a merger in 2007 between North and South Trafford Colleges, and included a visit by then Prime Minister Tony Blair. 

Reputation:

South Trafford College was considered to be one of the best colleges in the country. 

“The 212,000 residents of Trafford may count themselves fortunate. Not only is their borough home to football’s Premier League champions and a Test match cricket ground but also to two successful colleges. Last year South Trafford college became the first college in the country to achieve outstanding ratings in all five categories in the current Ofsted inspection cycle. Four miles up the road, North Trafford college can boast similar distinction.” 
— Joe Clancy, June 12th, 2007 

Investment:

£20m redevelopment 

of the Altrincham Campus (2011)

£10m refurbishment 

of the Stretford Campus (2013)

Ongoing investment includes:

• Green Technology Centre at Stretford
• Spa Centre Refurbishment
• Business Centre (“The Hive”) at Stretford
• Innovation Suite at Altrincham, including an immersive technology facility, and clinical suite

Famous Alumni:

Stockport College

History: 

  • Started life in 1887 as a technical school 
  • The listed Greek Street Building was a secondary school in the early 1900s 

Evolution: 

  • Known for many years as Stockport College of Higher and Further Education 
  • Had a thriving student culture, with legends of several famous pop stars performing in the Student Union bar 
  • 2006: Merged with North Area College 
  • 2018: Merged with Trafford College

Investment:

£25m new campus

on the A6 with excellent facilities in:
- Applied Science
- Creative Industries
- Digital
- Hair & Beauty

World-class facilities

Complementing existing world-class facilities in:
- Building Services
- Construction
- Engineering

Recent developments include:

- Green Technology Centre
- Cyber Lab
- Business Centre (including immersive technology)

Famous Alumni:

  • Angela Rayner (Deputy Prime Minister since July 2024) 
  • Sarah Harding(Girls Aloud member who tragically passed away in 2021)

Airport Academy

 

  • Established in 2012 
  • Operates within Manchester Airport, located near the bus and rail station 
  • Continues to be a key part of the TSCG offer 
  • Has engaged with thousands of individuals seeking employment across the Manchester Airport footprint 

Cheadle and Marple Colleges

Cheadle College: 

  • Established in 1956 as Cheadle County Grammar School for Girls 
  • Converted into a Further Education College in 1991

Marple Sixth Form College: 

  • Traced back to Church Lane Sunday School in 1868 
  • Later became: Marple Ridge College, Ridge Danyers College 

Formation:

  • 2004: Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College (CAMSFC)  was established 
  • Now part of TSCG, both colleges still retain their local identities and reputation 

Future Investment:

2025: Opening of a £27m redeveloped campus at Cheadle College, with specialist facilities for:

£27m redeveloped campus at Cheadle College

Opening 2025, with specialist facilities for:

A Levels

Early Years Education

Health & Social Care

Horticulture

Provision for students with High Needs

Sport

Cheadle College:

Marple College:

Famous Alumni:

  • Owen Jones (Author, columnist and social commentator) 
  • Members of Blossoms (Indie pop group)