Glasgow Caledonian’s anniversary: November 2025

November 2025 marks the University’s 150th anniversary from the establishment of our founding institution, the Glasgow School of Cookery, with February 2026 being 150 years from the doors officially opening to welcome students.

Ahead of our anniversary year we take a look back at our early foundations and share ways in which you can get involved.

A look back at our early foundations: The Glasgow School of Cookery (1875)

The roots of what would eventually become Glasgow Caledonian University can be traced back to the establishment of the Glasgow School of Cookery in 1875. The founding of the School was driven by the vision of Isabella Macdonald, a prominent figure in the burgeoning movement for women’s education in Scotland. At the time, there was a growing need to provide women, particularly from working-class backgrounds, with vocational skills that would help them secure stable employment and improve their lives. The Glasgow School of Cookery aimed to meet this need by offering practical training in domestic science, with an emphasis on cookery, housekeeping, and nutrition.

This was a period of significant social change in Glasgow, which, during the industrial revolution, had seen a rapid population growth and a shift in economic activity. The city was home to an increasing number of working-class families who were struggling to make ends meet. For women, domestic work became a key area of employment, but there was little formal training available to help them improve their skills. The Glasgow School of Cookery aimed to change that by providing women with the necessary knowledge to improve household management, while also addressing issues such as hygiene and nutrition.

Initially, the Glasgow School of Cookery focused on cookery and domestic science, but over time its curriculum began to expand to include broader educational elements. It recognised that to empower women in the domestic sphere, it was important to offer a holistic approach to education that also covered subjects like household management and financial planning. As such, the School became a model for other institutions across the country and gained a strong reputation.

Join in our celebrations: November 2025 – 2026

As we embark on a year-long celebration of Glasgow Caledonian University's 150th anniversary, we invite you to be part of this historic milestone. This is a time to reflect on our rich heritage, celebrate our achievements, and look to the future. Whether you're an alumnus, a current student, a staff member, or a friend of the University, there are many ways to get involved and make this anniversary truly special.

Share your memories

As we approach GCU's 150th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate by sharing your cherished memories and experiences through our anniversary website.

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Take part in the events

Over the course of the year, there will be an exciting range of talks, networking, and social events for alumni and friends to participate in.

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Volunteer

Whether you're embarking on your career journey or an expert in your field, there are lots of opportunities for you to guide and inspire Glasgow Caledonian University students, both in-person or remotely.

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Support our anniversary campaign

The Anniversary Common Good Campaign aims to promote equal opportunity by addressing financial hardship, underrepresentation of minority groups, and improving access to educational opportunities and networks.

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