Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Stoke-on-Trent on 27 March 2026 to formally open Nacro’s new Stoke Education Centre, marking an important moment in our 60th anniversary year.
The Princess Royal, patron of Nacro, was welcomed by Nacro’s Chair of Trustees, Nick Hardwick CBE, along with our Chief Executive, Enver Solomon OBE, and Caroline Strike, Head of Curriculum & Engagement in Stoke. During the visit, Her Royal Highness toured the Stoke Education Centre, meeting students and teachers and seeing in action the construction and catering vocational learning opportunities and English and maths classes. Students shared their experiences of studying in Nacro’s learner-focused environment and demonstrated the practical skills they are developing as they prepare for future careers.
Nacro has been supporting young people in Stoke to gain qualifications for 30 years. Due to an increase in demand for its courses, the charity recently moved to the new location on College Road in Hanley.
The Princess unveiled a plaque to mark the formal opening of the centre after presenting awards to students and teachers.
Speaking about the visit, Enver Solomon, CEO, said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to formally open our new Stoke Education Centre. Our centres show what is possible when young people are given the right environment, high expectations and tailored support.
Many students come to us having found it difficult to succeed in traditional school or college settings, yet they go on to thrive and achieve at levels above the comparable national average.
With so much focus on the challenges young people face, and the increasing number of young people not in education, employment and training, we are proud to stand alongside young people as they build the skills, confidence and belief they need to achieve their potential.”
