University of Bolton wants to change its name

The University of Bolton is planning to remove the town from its name as part of a major rebrand. The higher education institution has applied to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester in a move it hopes will attract more international students and be seen as more prestigious.

The application, which will involve a full consultation, has been made to the Office for Students and the Department for Education. In a statement, the university said the move has been fully supported by its board of governors and its Students' Union.

The university can trace its roots back to 1824 when it first opened as Bolton Mechanics' Institute. It changed its name to Bolton Institute of Higher Education in 1982 before gaining university status in 2004.

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It is expected that the Office for Students will consult various stakeholders on the proposed new name before deciding whether to grant consent. If approved, the university would use its new name from August 1, 2024.

Professor George Holmes, the university's president and vice chancellor, said the name change would 'more accurately reflect' its activities throughout Greater Manchester. He added: "It is our firm view that a 'University of Greater Manchester' can exist alongside the universities of Manchester and Salford without problematic impacts.

"In fact, another strong university brand in Greater Manchester can only help the economic development of the region."

Professor Holmes added: "We are proud to be based in Bolton and indeed our roots are firmly embedded in this town, having been here for almost 200 years when the Bolton Mechanics Institute was formed.

"Moreover, we are