Through the years
With over one hundred years of history, The Co-operative College has been a pillar in the co-operative movement.
Established in 1919, the College’s core aim was to extend the provision of education to co-operators. The focus was on learning how to run successful co-operative enterprises and how to behave ethically as a co-operator. Beginning as a residential centre, with the first students coming from across the UK, Iceland and Australia. The idea of a college was not a new one, being first discussed in the 1830s.
The College’s first home was in Holyoake House, Manchester, with students living in local hostels. In 1945 the College moved to Stanford Hall near Loughborough to increase the facilities for residential students. In 2001, with new and innovative ways of running programmes, the residential capacity was no longer needed and so the College returned to Holyoake House. Following the return, the College transformed from a residential institution into a centre for co-operative learning. Our reach expanded across the UK and internationally, supporting co-operatives through training, consultancy and knowledge exchange.
In 2015, the College became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), setting charitable objectives to promote the education of the values and principles of the co-operative movement. In 2019, we celebrated our centenary, marking one hundred years of supporting individuals and organisations with co-operative education.
In 2026 following an Extraordinary General Meeting, the members voted to pass a Special Resolution to dissolve the Co-operative College Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Although the College has closed, its legacy endures through the educational resources and research. These continue to support our charitable objectives and promote co-operative values and principles beyond the life of the organisation.
