Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelSub-fonds
Ref NoUNIVERSITY 1421/7
TitleNorthern College of Education
Date1987-2001
Extent230 volumes/files, 51 photographs, 10 plans, and 1 object
Creator NameNorthern College of Education
Administrative HistoryHISTORY

In 1987 the education colleges of Aberdeen and Dundee were merged to form the Northern College of Education. The Core administration of Northern College was centred on the Aberdeen campus, where both the Principal and College Secretary were located.

The Sutherland Report, "Teacher Education and Training: Scotland" (1997) heralded the end of independent teacher training institutions and by late 1997 the Board of Governors at Northern College were investigating the possibilities of merger with the respective local universities. Several developments in the 1990s made these proposals seem practical: in 1992 the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act brought all of higher education within the remit of the Secretary of State and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), with the result that there was no longer a central government division between the college and university sectors. In 2001 the Northern College and the University of Aberdeen merged to create the University of Aberdeen School of Education. In 2005 the Hilton campus was finally closed and the School of Education is now located on University campus in the MacRobert Building.

OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE

Principal

David Adams (1987-2001) (former Principal of Aberdeen College of Education)

Vice Principal -

Joan Taylor (1987-1989)
Derek Keatch (Dundee campus)
James Campbell (1990-1993)
James Wilson
David Northcroft
Ronald J Elder (Dundee campus)

Assistant Principal -

James Campbell (1987-1989)
(there was another Assistant Principal in Dundee from 1987-1989 but this was a transitional post after the merger)
David Northcroft

College Secretary -

Ian Coghill (1987-1989) (former Secretary of Aberdeen College of Education)
Neil McDowell (1989-1992)
Alistair Smith (1993-1997)

A formal Registry and a strengthened Personnel and Public Relations Department was set-up in 1990. Before this many individuals had roles in student administration and reported to the Secretary. From 1990 a Registrar and department would be responsible for arranging student admissions, examinations and records. The Department was known as Central Services.
DescriptionThe student records from 1987 are still of current use and held by the School of Education. From 1987 onwards a highlight are the very detailed administrative and management records including minutes of the Govening Body and sub-committees, papers of College staff (including the Vice and Assistant Principals and College Secretary), financial records, staff records, teaching materials, College publications, plans and photographs.
AccrualsPlease note that student records from 1987 are still held by the School of Education and will be deposited once they are no longer of current use.
Access StatusRestricted
Access ConditionsSome records contain personal information and may be closed for 75 years under the Data Protection Act (1998)
Related MaterialPublished material relating to the College are held in Special Libraries & Archives Local Collection (open access):

Prospectus 1995, 1996 and 1998
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