Welcome
About your Society
This alumni group welcomes all who attended Sunderland College of Education during its time as a Teacher Training College. You are invited to our annual reunions, organised by Bridget Andrews (1966-69 cohort). Interested in joining? Contact us, and we'll connect you with Bridget Andrews.
Contacts
Bridget Andrews (nee O’Hara)
Chair of the Sunderland College of Education Old Students
Bridget Andrews completed her teacher training studies at the Sunderland College of Education between 1966 and 1969 and specialised in Physical Education. She then went on to enjoy a long and rewarding teaching career. She began as a secondary school PE teacher in Sunderland before taking time out to raise her two children. On returning to education, she devoted herself to special education, teaching children with profound and multiple learning difficulties — a role she found both demanding and deeply fulfilling.
Bridget remembers her time at the College with great affection, describing it as a place of exceptional teaching, dedicated staff, and lifelong friendships. She recalls the outstanding Physical Education department, whose students achieved national sporting success, and speaks fondly of lecturer Sheila Coates, whose high standards, care, and unwavering support left a lasting impression.
In the early 1980s, Bridget co-founded the Sunderland College of Education Old Students Society with fellow former student Graham (Grammie) Fraser. Together, and with the help of the College’s former ‘Entertainment Committee’ colleagues, they organised regular reunions that became a much-loved tradition. After stepping back for a few years from the main organisation of the reunions, but still attending every one, Bridget took the reins once more after Grammie decided to step down after the 50 years celebration reunion in 2016.
Bridget has continued to lead the society, ensuring its legacy endures.
The next society reunion will be held on Monday, 23 March 2026, and all former students of the Sunderland College of Education are warmly invited to attend.
If you wish to pass a message on to Bridget please contact us at alumni@sunderland.ac.uk.
There is also a Sunderland College of Education group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153529594815680