Dr Julia Buckley MP and Margaret Thorpe standing in front of plaque

Shrewsbury Colleges Group is proud to announce the official opening of its brand-new Learning Resource Centre (LRC), a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance student learning and academic success.

This landmark occasion was attended by Dr Julia Buckley MP, alongside Margaret Thorpe, the widow of the former Principal, Martin Thorpe, and their close family members.

The new Learning Resource Centre, developed to meet students' evolving needs, offers state-of-the-art digital resources, collaborative study spaces, and enhanced access to academic support. It stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.

James Staniforth, Principal of the college, expressed his enthusiasm for the centre’s impact:

‘This Learning Resource Centre represents an exciting new chapter for our students. It is more than just a library. We were delighted to have Dr Julia Buckley officially open this dynamic hub, where students can access the best academic tools, collaborate on projects, and develop skills for the future.’

He continued, ‘We are deeply honoured to have Margaret Thorpe, and her family join us today. This moment also pays tribute to the dedication to student success of our former Principal, Martin Thorpe, who sadly passed away in April of 2023. Martin was the first Principal of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College when the college was set up by the council in 1981. We commemorate Martin by dedicating the Learning Resource Centre to his memory. We hope that he would be pleased to know that thousands of students will study in the Martin Thorpe Learning Resource Centre for years to come.’

The event included a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony by Dr Julia Buckley, a tour of the facilities, and speeches celebrating the college’s ongoing investment in student achievement.