La Sainte Union College of Education

La Sainte Union College of Education. It was a teacher training college for women, founded in the early 20th century within the Portswood area of Southampton. The institution operated for much of the century before its eventual merger, playing a significant role in the professional development of educators in Southern England. Its history and operations were closely tied to both the University of Southampton and the Anglican religious community.

History

The college was founded in 1904 by the La Sainte Union des Sacrés-Cœurs, a French Catholic religious order with a strong mission in education. Initially established to train teachers for Catholic schools across England and Wales, it began its life in premises on The Avenue. The institution expanded significantly after the Second World War, in part due to the increased demand for teachers following the Education Act 1944. In 1962, it formally became an accredited college of the University of Southampton, aligning its academic standards with the university's Institute of Education. The college was involved in the nationwide restructuring of higher education in the 1970s, culminating in its merger with King Alfred's College, Winchester in 1978 to form the new King Alfred's College.

Campus and facilities

The main campus was centered on a large Victorian house known as Glen Eyre, located in the Portswood suburb. This core building housed administrative offices, common rooms, and some teaching spaces. Over the decades, the college expanded with the addition of several purpose-built structures, including a dedicated library, science laboratories, and a modern teaching block to support its growing curriculum. Residential accommodation for students was provided in on-site halls of residence, fostering a strong collegiate community. The campus grounds were noted for their spacious gardens and proximity to both the University of Southampton's main campus and Southampton Common.

Academic profile

The college's primary focus was on a three-year Certificate in Education program, which qualified graduates as schoolteachers. The curriculum strongly emphasized the theory and practice of teaching in primary and secondary schools, with teaching practice undertaken in local state schools across Hampshire. Specialist training was offered in core subjects such as English, mathematics, religious education, and the sciences. Following its affiliation with the University of Southampton, its programs were validated and its students awarded qualifications from the university. It also offered a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program for university graduates seeking to enter the teaching profession.

Notable alumni

Among its graduates are several individuals who achieved distinction in education, literature, and public service. These include the children's author and illustrator Shirley Hughes, renowned for works like Dogger. The college also educated Margaret Ford, who later became a senior civil servant and Chairman of the Ordnance Survey. Another notable alumna is the educator and writer Jill Paton Walsh, known for her historical novels and continuation of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories. The college's legacy in training influential teachers is reflected in the careers of many who served in schools across the United Kingdom and abroad.

Governance and affiliations

The college was governed by a board that included representatives from the founding La Sainte Union des Sacrés-Cœurs order, the Diocese of Portsmouth, and the University of Southampton. Its formal academic affiliation, after 1962, was with the University of Southampton, which validated its courses and awarded its qualifications. This relationship integrated it into the wider network of teacher training provision in Southern England. Although founded as a Catholic institution, it accepted students of all denominations and worked closely with the local education authority, Hampshire County Council.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1904 Category:Defunct universities and colleges in England Category:History of Southampton