On Tuesday 15th October, we announced the opening of our brand new Digital Skills and Enterprise Hub, ‘The Cuthbert Suite’, which is named after our late Deputy Principal, Simon Cuthbert.
Simon began at the College in 1987 as a Physics teacher and was dedicated to his career, going on to become Head of Physics, Head of Science, Head of Faculty, Acting Principal and Deputy Principal. Known for his optimism, sharp mind and supportive manner, Simon had a passion for excellence and inclusion in education.
Members of staff and students, past and present gathered to pay tribute to their late colleague and present a memory book to Simon’s wife Penny Cuthbert, guest of honour and ribbon cutter. Other guests present at the opening ceremony included The Mayor of Henley along with representatives from stakeholders involved in the Suite including: Fasset Construction, Education Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA), Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), Peter Marsh Consulting, Association of Colleges (AOC), the Student Union and College Governors. We'd also like to thank LTS Architects for their involvement on the project.
The project has been supported by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). OxLEP have secured £500,000 of funding via the Government’s Local Growth Fund towards a programme of Hubs here (of which the Cuthbert Suite is one). The overall cost of the programme is £1 million.
The new hub will accommodate pop-up enterprise spaces, innovation hubs and digital skills teaching spaces along with areas to support students including careers and student services. There is full Wi-Fi connectivity and smart screens throughout with futuristic style booths to enable group student work and presentations. The aim is to prepare students for their future careers by embedding entrepreneurial and employability skills.
Satwant Deol, Principal and Chief Executive said “The announcement and implementation of these plans is at very exciting time for The Henley College. The opportunity to deliver 21st century skills for our students will not only help their employability, but also ensure their future success. We would like to thank the Oxfordshire LEP for their contribution that will enable us to build and grow our provision providing a strong and innovative College for our future generations. To be able to remember our dear colleague Simon Cuthbert by naming our new Digital area, ‘The Cuthbert Suite’ is a very fitting way to pay tribute to him.”
