Hamilton College of Education

Hamilton College of Education was opened in 1966 on a greenfield campus, formerly part of the estate of the Dukes of Hamilton and Brandon. The 1950s and 1960s were years of constant teacher shortages, and the existing colleges of education could not train sufficient teachers to meet the country's needs. The Scottish Council for the Training of Teachers, the advisory body to the government, concluded that two temporary colleges should be opened at Falkirk (Callendar Park) and Ayr (Craigie College). It was decided to locate a permanent college at Hamilton, since Lanarkshire was the area of most severe teacher shortage.

The college was planned for 900 students, with extensive residential accommodation. Initially offering courses for primary education only, the college diversified into secondary courses in the 1970s and offered a B.Ed. degree in association with the University of Strathclyde.

The declining birthrate led to a rationalisation of teacher education provision in 1980 and in 1981, Hamilton College was merged with Jordanhill College of Education. The campus was sold, partly to a Christian School and partly for housing development.

Hamilton, Scotland

ISAAR(CPF): International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families, International Council on Archives (2nd edition, 2003); Rules for the construction of personal, place and corporate names, National Council on Archives (1997).

Created by Victoria Peters, December 2009.