Battersea Training College of Domestic Economy Battersea College of Domestic Science Battersea Training College for Primary Teachers Battersea College of Education

Battersea Training College of Domestic Economy Battersea College of Domestic Science Battersea Training College for Primary Teachers Battersea College of Education

Battersea College of Education was established in the department of 'Women's Studies' at Battersea Polytechnic Institute as the Training School of Domestic Economy. A special grant had been given to the Polytechnic by the London County Council to open a teacher training school in domestic economy, and the first eleven full time students started their course in 1894. The department was recognised by the Board of Education as a teachers' training school in 1895. The department flourished, and in 1903 a new block was opened to provide improved accommodation. In January 1911 the first hall of residence was opened, with further halls provided in 1914.

After the Second World War the premises of Manor House School on Clapham Common Northside were purchased by London County Council for the Department. In 1948 London County Council took over the management of the department from Battersea Polytechnic and it was re-designated Battersea College of Domestic Science. A programme of building was undertaken, including a new science block which opened in 1953, and further new buildings opened in 1960. The College acquired a new site, Manresa House in Roehampton, in 1963, which became the Battersea Training College for Primary Teachers, providing courses for mature students. The College had also become a constituent college of the University of London Institute of Education, with courses leading to a Teachers' Certificate with special reference to domestic subjects and Department of Education and Science recognition of Qualified Teacher Status. In 1965 responsibility for the college was transferred from the London County Council to the newly established Inner London Education Authority and the College became known as the Battersea College of Education.

In 1976 it was proposed that Battersea should merge with the Polytechnic of the South Bank. Manresa House was closed in 1979, and primary education students were transferred to Rachel McMillan College. Home Economics students remained at Manor House which became part of the Polytechnic of the South Bank. The teacher training certificate was phased out in 1979, and in 1981/1982 the students transferred to the Polytechnic campus.