Stow College

About Us

Principal's Welcome

Stow is a College with a proud heritage and with over 75 years of experience we are undoubtedly one of the main providers of quality learning and teaching in Scotland.

Widening access to new learning opportunities for those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups is at the heart of our commitment to social justice and the promotion of inclusion. We are reaching out into our community to make lifelong learning a reality for everyone.

This effort is not focused on simply enrolling as many students as possible on our courses. Rather it is concerned with providing appropriate guidance and support to ensure each and every Stow student is provided with a positive learning experience encouraging achievement and a successful completion of their course.

We also recognise that a smart, successful and sustainable Scotland depends on enhancing people’s skills, employability and contribution to society.

At Stow College we offer a wide range of learning opportunities providing skills and qualifications to help our students open doors to better paid, more rewarding and interesting jobs, the jobs of tomorrow.

We work with individuals, communities, employers and other parties to ensure that students receive a quality learning experience and achieve their full potential. For example, we have an agreement with the University of Strathclyde to provide progression and articulation routes across all our courses, an agreement unique in Scottish education in terms of its all-embracing nature.

At Stow you know you will enjoy a quality learning experience, with 98% of our full-time students gaining employment or progressing to more advanced education or training. This performance is underlined by the college being awarded the Scottish Qualifications Authority 'Pride O' Worth' award, acknowledging it as the top Scottish education centre of 2007. Also in May 2009 the college received the top accolade at the prestigious Quality Scotland Business Excellence Awards being announced winner of the Scottish Award for Business Excellence. To put this achievement in context, this award category recognises Scottish organisations that have achieved a level of excellence comparable to the best in Europe.

All in all it is an exciting time to be at Stow College. We are committed to moving forward towards an even brighter future and I would invite you to join us.

We want to be your lifelong learning partner helping you towards your own brighter future and I can assure you that everyone at Stow College will help you achieve your ambitions. I look forward to welcoming you to the College.

Robert G McGrory
Chief Executive & Principal