PARTNERSHIP was the key word in the third annual report of Bury College, launched at the college board's annual meeting.

Covering the 1996/97 academic year, the report is called Achievement Through Partnership, and outlines the achievements by staff and students during the year.

Mr Geoff Hill, chairman of the board of the corporation said: "The college has had another successful year with improved examination results, the award of Investors in People status, an increase in student numbers and a good financial position."

The report shows that despite intense pressure on funding in the further education centre, Bury College coped with extra students and still managed to balance the books.

The report opens with a list of successful partnerships in which the college was involved during the year. These range from the Bury Strategic Partnership, Bury Council, local businesses, hospitals and other colleges and universities.

The report looks over changes and developments, from buildings to new subjects on the curriculum. A number of achievements and successes - both academic and sporting - are also highlighted.

Principal Dr Helen Gilchrist said: "During the year, Bury College consolidated its position as a major quality provider of education and training in Bury."

Among the successes she highlighted in the report are the improvements to technology, with "substantial investment" in computer equipment in all sites of the college.

"We are rightly proud of our status as an Investor in People," she said. "Success lies in our most valuable resource - staff. I should like to thank them for their professionalism and commitment to students."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.