The Princess Royal has formally opened a new education centre in Stoke-on-Trent, as national social justice charity Nacro celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The princess, who is patron of the charity, visited the new Stoke Education Centre at Atlas Works in Hanley, where she was welcomed by Nacro’s chair of trustees, Nick Hardwick CBE, along with chief executive, Enver Solomon OBE, and Caroline Strike, Head of Curriculum & Engagement in Stoke-on-Trent.
During the visit, she toured the facility, meeting students and staff and observing vocational training in construction and catering, alongside English and maths classes. Students demonstrated the practical skills they are developing as they prepare for future careers and shared their experiences of Nacro’s learner-focused approach.
The charity has supported young people in Stoke-on-Trent for 30 years and recently relocated to the new site in Hanley’s College Road in response to growing demand for its courses.
The centre offers courses in construction, health and social care, hospitality and catering, life skills and work-ready training, alongside GCSE resits in English and maths.
The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the opening and presented awards to students and teachers.
Enver Solomon, CEO, said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to formally open our new Stoke Education Centre. Our centres show what is possible when young people are given the right environment, high expectations and tailored support.
“Many students come to us having found it difficult to succeed in traditional school or college settings, yet they go on to thrive and achieve at levels above the comparable national average.
“With so much focus on the challenges young people face, and the increasing number of young people not in education, employment and training, we are proud to stand alongside young people as they build the skills, confidence and belief they need to achieve their potential.”
Nacro said its model of smaller class sizes, tailored learning and strong pastoral support is helping young people achieve and move into positive next steps.
Catering student Harvey said: “I was really excited for The Princess Royal to visit our education centre. I really love studying here. The teachers really know you and help you to get on. The catering facilities are brilliant, we learn so much and everyone is really supportive. It’s so great to be able to show off what we do.”
The Atlas Works building was previously home to Achieve Training, formerly PM Training. It was built in 1900 as an iron foundry and engineering works, and was later used for pottery manufacturing.
