Pembroke Co-Launch Goldsmiths' Sutherland Centre

The Goldsmiths’ Sutherland Centre for Philosophy and World Religions is a partnership between Pembroke College, Manchester University and Ashton Sixth Form College. Based at Ashton, the Centre offers an academic programme open to Year 12 pupils across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Pupils have access to lectures and seminars delivered by academics from some of the country’s leading universities, and inter-faith discussion events hosted by community groups. There are also opportunities to apply for a study skills school and a residential summer school at Pembroke College Oxford. The programme will be focused around a central theme each year, which will be considered from a range of disciplinary and faith perspectives.

Funding from The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity has enabled the introduction of Goldsmiths’ Scholar Awards for top performing pupils. The naming of the Centre honours the late Lord Sutherland, a remarkable philosopher of religion, and a great public servant.

Last week’s launch event included introductions from partner representatives, the presentation of awards to Goldsmiths’ Sutherland Scholars, reflections from pupils who have taken part in the academic programmes of the Centre and short keynote addresses from Pembroke’s Professor Justin Jones (Study of Religion) and Dr James Read (Philosophy).

Ashton Sixth Form College’s Principal Anton McGrath stated: “We are proud of our links with the Universities of Oxford and Manchester, and are proud of our students that undertake these academically rigorous courses."

Dr Peter Claus, Access Fellow, Pembroke College Oxford commented: “Pembroke takes an unashamedly academic approach to outreach in the North West, aiming to challenge young people, and to prepare them for applications to the most competitive universities."

Dr Timothy Schroder, Prime Warden of The Goldsmiths’ Company said: “The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity is proud to be supporting the launch of The Goldsmiths’ Sutherland Centre for Philosophy and World Religions. Not only does this reinforce our continued ambition to contribute to national life, it provides an outstanding educational resource for young people and honours our past Prime Warden, Lord Sutherland, who was an exceptional academic and passionate advocate for the teaching of philosophy within education.”