At Priestley we focus on your future, but we are also proud of our past and consistent record of high achievement.
Joseph Priestley was born and later his name would be taken by the college. Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774 and was a pioneer in teaching modern history and the sciences. He was also a founder member of the American Constitution.
The sixth forms at Boteler Grammar School and Warrington High School are merged to form Priestley College. There were around 350 students under the headship of David Henderson.
Priestley became a self-governing independent corporation. Now part of the Further Education sector.
Adult evening classes were introduced.
David Henderson retired after overseeing a steady growth of students to just over 1,000.
The Sports Centre opened complete with basketball court and gym.
An Ofsted inspection found that Priestley was an ‘outstanding’ college ‘where every learner matters’, under Principal Mike Southworth.
The Crescent Building opened providing a new, modern façade to the campus. It provides more than 20 classrooms and a popular café space.
More than 2,000 students now attend the college, the increase in numbers due to performance, campus investment and variety of courses.
The £1.5million Lewis Carroll Building was opened by guest of honour Dr David Whan, a trustee of the New Engineering Foundation. It became the centre for Priestley’s IT and Computing courses.
Matthew Grant became Principal and went on to oversee the formation of The Challenge Academy Trust.
Priestley became the first college in the country to be awarded STEM Assured Status and also received the Matrix accreditation in honour of the quality of its advice and guidance.
Priestley recorded its best ever set of A-Level results alongside some excellent vocational results.
Ofsted praise Priestley in its latest report saying: “Teachers ensure students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their qualifications and in their working life.”
James Gresty is appointed Principal and promised to continue the mission of academic excellence for all.
Priestley teachers win a national award commending their efforts to maintain standards of education during the pandemic.
Priestley landed a place on the Warrington Monopoly board. Priestley occupies one of the prestigious green squares with players having to fork out 320 Monopoly dollars to buy the ‘property’.
Priestley tutor Anne White was honoured by one of the world’s finest universities for raising the aspirations of young people in and around Warrington. Anne was one of only five teachers in the UK to collect the ‘Inspirational Teacher Award’ from Pembroke College at the University of Oxford.
PRIESTLEY College was awarded the Rainbow Flag Award in recognition of its commitment to inclusivity and dedication to improving the lives of its students. The award is a national badge of honour for organisations that work hard to ensure a place feels safe and inclusive.
