Loughborough College

The origins of the present Loughborough University lie in Loughborough College which began life as the Loughborough Technical Institute. This was set up by Leicestershire County Council in 1909 to provide local facilities for further education. Courses in science, art and technology were taught in day and evening classes. During the First World War, the Technical Institute, on the initiative of an energetic new Principal, Herbert Schofield, became an 'Instructional Factory' for the Ministry of Munitions. In addition to normal teaching, the College trained over 2000 men and women 'on production' for the munitions industry, making shell cases and machine parts in the college workshops. In 1918 the College changed its name to Loughborough Technical College and in 1920 to Loughborough College. Between the wars Loughborough College expanded, attracting students from all over the world. It widened its reputation beyond engineering to athletics, handicrafts and teacher training. In 1930 the Loughborough Summer School was set up, teaching a variety of courses and particularly athletics. In 1951-2 the College was divided into four separate institutions reflecting its main areas of interest. Loughborough Training College (later Loughborough College of Education) provided teacher training; Loughborough College of Art taught art and design; Loughborough College of Further Education (now Loughborough College) offered local and vocational training; and Loughborough College of Technology continued its courses in science and engineering.

From the guide to the Loughborough College Records, 1909-1952, (Loughborough University Archives)