Marcus Wareing, Alexei Sayle, David Lonsdale – Southport College and KGV launch search for inspirational past pupils

Did you know that world famous chef and Masterchef judge Marcus Wareing learned his culinary skills at Southport College?

Or that legendary pop star Marc Almond studied General Art and Design at the college,  specialising in Performance Art, before he went on to achieve global success in the music industry?

Southport College is proud of the huge success that many of its former pupils and lecturers have enjoyed over the years.

Now they are urging people to contact them with any success stories, so they can celebrate and shout out about how the college has helped to shape their careers – and to inspire current and future students.

Iconic comedian and author Alexei Sayle also studied at Southport College, where he completed a Foundation Course before going on to lead the Alternative Comedy scene in the UK in the 1980s.

He returned to Southport College a decade ago to officially open the new theatre.

He told The Guardian: “When I was at college in Southport there was a teacher there called Max Eden who had known ­Picasso in the 1950s.

“He showed me how the way you lived your life could be a work of art. I opened a new wing of Southport college and they gave me one of his paintings, which I treasure.”

Southport College Principal Michelle Brabner is asking people with any great college success stories to get in touch.

She said: “When you look back at the college’s history, there are some amazing things and some incredible people there.

“When I took on my role, a friend of mine told me that Marcus Wareing was a student here, which I never knew before.

“I would love to learn more!

“It is all about inspiring the students of today and in the future.”

Michelle Brabner is also keen to encourage a sense of history and achievement at KGV Sixth Form College too, where she is a trustee of the KGV Educational Trust and President of the Old Georgians Association.

Famous former pupils there include journalist, author and broadcaster Brian Viner, actor David Lonsdale and many others. Simon Rimmer of Sunday Brunch is another famous chef and TV presenter that studied with the college.

Michelle Brabner said: “There is a really long academic history at KGV Sixth Form College.

“We would love to hear from people letting us know about other success stories from the college.

“We want to encourage everyone in the town to shout about who they are really proud of.”

Young people aged between 16 and 18 are being invited to apply for courses at Southport College this September now.

The vocational courses use fantastic facilities, industry experienced tutors and valuable work experience to prepare students for university, an apprenticeship or employment in their chosen career.

Courses are now also available for Adult Learners aged 19 and over.

With the college doors now open once again and lots of new courses starting, it’s the perfect opportunity to upskill, retrain or just do something to put a smile on your face.

Southport College is also the leading provider of Apprenticeships in the area and has trained more than 1,500 Apprentices.

• Southport College is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 26th June, where people can learn more about all the courses on offer. For more details please visit: southport.ac.uk

• Do you have any success stories from Southport College which you would like to share? Please email Head of Marketing Ruth Start at: StartR@southport.ac.uk

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com