City of York Council marks Armed Forces Day and honours service community
City of York Council is joining communities across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June, recognising the vital contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families. The council is proud to support the Armed Forces community through its commitment as a Gold Award signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant,…
Bradford College Careers Adviser wins National Education Award
A long-serving Bradford College careers adviser has won the coveted ‘Support Staff of the Year’ title in the national NCFE Aspiration Awards. The annual awards celebrate learners, apprentices, educators, support staff and educational organisations making an outstanding impact in learning across the UK. From going above and beyond to exceed expectations, to overcoming obstacles to…
Bradford College, Production Park and Academy of Live Technology launch landmark partnership through The Producing Academy
Bradford College has announced a major new partnership with Production Park and Academy of Live Technology (ALT), anchored by its flagship Producing Academy, to create industry-leading training and employment pathways into the UK’s fast-growing creative and live events sectors. The three organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver a collaborative programme of skills,…
Volunteers improve Fulford Cemetery as its future management is considered
Dedicated volunteers are helping to keep Fulford Cemetery in good order, since City of York Council took over its management last year. Options for the future of the cemetery are being discussed this summer at public meetings. The proposals, which include the Council permanently managing the cemetery, were supported by the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee…
Work begins on major refresh of construction college façade
Work has begun on a new look for Leeds College of Building’s (LCB) North Street Campus building. As part of ongoing improvements to its estate, LCB is over-cladding the façade of the building that has been its home since the 1960s. In addition to increasing the kerbside appeal of the North Street Campus, the works…
Poetry in Motion: Creative Writing lecturer’s work connects passengers with the history of reopened railway
Dr John Challis ‘honoured’ to see his verse brought to life at stations along the Northumberland Line. Dr John Challis, Poet and Lecturer in Creative Writing at York St John University says it’s a ‘great honour’ for his poetry to be selected to celebrate the reopened Northumberland Line. His specially commissioned poem The Journey has…
Bradford breaks into top 500 global QS rank
The University of Bradford has been ranked among the world’s top 500 universities for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its continued rise on the global stage. In the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June, Bradford climbed 14 places to 497th in the world, securing its place in the…
York Youth Festival returns to Rowntree Park this summer
Young people across the city are invited to take part in the York Youth Festival, returning to Rowntree Park on Wednesday 22 July, from 2pm to 5pm. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the festival will once again provide a free, fun and welcoming space for young people to come together, enjoy activities,…
Sustainable construction partnership announced by Yorkshire & Humber college network
An innovative new construction initiative will see a group of colleges from across Yorkshire and the Humber become partners with the Supply Chain Sustainability School (The School). The Supply Chain Sustainability School works with over 225 UK partners to develop industry-led learning, with over 50,000 people from 7,000 supply chain businesses actively learning with the School in…
£130,000 invested to help Bradford communities thrive together
GiveBradford have invested nearly £130,000 in 9 Bradford community organisations through The Thrive Together Fund! The programme is our partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players. The Thrive Together Fund aims to develop inclusive places, spaces and activities for people who are least able to come together. The…
University brings business leaders together as AI shift accelerates
Business leaders from across the region are invited to come together next month to explore how organisations can respond to the rapidly accelerating impact of artificial intelligence. The University of Bradford will host a one-day forum on 18 June, bringing together senior figures from industry, the public sector and academia to explore how AI is…
7 behaviours you need to kickstart your STEM career
Diana Bird, Executive Principal, Leeds City College More students are leaving school with solid technical knowledge in 2026: think coding, digital content and data literacy. But do you have the behaviours and mindset needed to thrive at work and develop successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers? The world of work demands a much…
York Health Trainers create quick tips to stay healthy during this Men’s World Cup
York Health Trainers are encouraging residents to look after their health and wellbeing as the largest-ever FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off this week. With 104 matches taking place across Mexico, Canada and the USA over the next five weeks, thousands of football fans will be tuning in – often late into the night –…
Review payroll processes amid tighter minimum wage scrutiny, bosses warned
Employers across Yorkshire are being urged to review their payroll processes and employment practices urgently amid growing scrutiny over National Minimum Wage (NMW) compliance and the expanding enforcement powers of the Fair Work Agency (FWA). Accountancy and business advisory group Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, has warned that many businesses are…
York families urged to reapply for free school meals
Families whose children receive free school lunches are being urged to reapply for the meals this term, following changes to the national scheme. Everyone must reapply for their child or children before the start of the new school year in September. City of York Council has sent information and application forms to schools across the city to…
New waiting room for York crematorium
Mourners and visitors to York Crematorium will have a second waiting room to use from this autumn. It will be more accessible and have toilet facilities. Visitors may see workers, their vehicles and equipment on the site at Bishopthorpe, as the building and other maintenance work takes place. No work will take place during services:…
Teachers, educators, parents and policymakers invited to online showcase of education research
From preparing school students for the workplace to new ways to boost engagement and attendance for neurodivergent pupils York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice is pleased to invite anyone with an interest in school education to a unique showcase of Innovations in Education Policy. Taking place online on Monday 29 June, this specialist session will…
Record success for LCB at UK’s largest construction skills competition
Leeds College of Building (LCB) students delivered one of the college’s strongest-ever performances at the regional heats of SkillBuild 2026, the UK’s largest construction skills competition for trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across the UK for 12 trade specialisms, testing technical skills,…
Castle to host free Employer Update for Yorkshire businesses ahead of Employment Rights Act changes
Yorkshire businesses are being encouraged to prepare early for major employment law changes that could affect how they recruit, manage and retain staff from 2026 onwards. Castle HR & Training Solutions and Castle Employment Solutions are hosting a free face-to-face Employer Update on 25 June to help employers understand the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes…
York rivers trail gathers momentum as community helps shape new experience on the River Ouse
A new riverside experience for York took a significant step forward last week, as residents, partners and contributors came together on the River Ouse to help shape the York rivers trail. The event, held as part of the York Festival of Ideas, invited participants onto the water for a curated journey through the city. From…
We want your views to shape accessible and inclusive play areas in York
We are inviting people across York to help shape the future of the city’s play areas, as part of our major investment in parks and green spaces. We have launched the Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey 2026 to gather views from disabled children and young people and their parents and carers, so we can…
A value-added boost for Yorkshire charities
A long-standing tax levied on businesses donating to charities has now been removed, a major accountancy and advisory firm in Yorkshire has said. Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, wants to remind businesses that they can now give goods to registered charities without paying VAT. The news comes at a time of falling…
Bradford 2nd in UK for optometry amid strong national gains
The University of Bradford has strengthened its position in the latest Complete University Guide 2027 rankings, rising nine places overall as its optometry provision cements its place among the very best in the UK. Ranked second in the country for Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics, and first in Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford continues to build on a reputation as a national leader…
England v Germany veterans game marks 1966 World Cup anniversary with powerful message about later life fitness
Documentary follows England’s Veteran Over 75s as they overcome strokes, cancer and bypass surgery to be fit for historic rematch with Germany this July. England’s Veteran Over 75s football team have announced they will mark the 60th anniversary of England’s victory over Germany with a commemorative match against their European rivals. The game was the…
Do school uniforms contribute to bullying and sexism?
Is it time to get rid of school uniforms? As schools face rising temperatures and the pressures of the summer term, rigid school uniform policies are being challenged for contributing to bullying, inequality and poor mental health among pupils. Dr Elizabeth Nassem, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Bradford and a leading researcher on…
University of Bradford expands China offering
The University of Bradford has strengthened its international footprint after securing approval to deliver two new academic programmes in China. The Chinese Ministry of Education has formally approved a postgraduate engineering management programme with China University of Petroleum-East China (UPC), alongside an undergraduate business and management programme at the Sino-British College in Shanghai. Both programmes will launch in September and…
Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards attract record entries as sector offers opportunities amid rising youth unemployment
A record number of entries have been received for this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, as manufacturers across the region continue to invest in young talent at a time when employers in other sectors warn entry-level roles for young people are disappearing. The awards, which take place this week, attracted 45 nominations from 19 companies,…
York leads the way as air quality targets met for second year running
As Clean Air Day (Thursday 18 June) approaches, City of York Council has confirmed that the city has met national air pollution targets for the second consecutive year. New monitoring data for 2025, presented at the Combined Executive Member Decision Session on 2 June 2026, shows that the significantly lower nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in 2024…
Further Education College of the Year
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Further Education College of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Educate North Awards 2026. The award recognises the College’s exceptional educational outcomes, transformational impact, and unwavering commitment to supporting students from highly disadvantaged and diverse communities. In their citation, the…
Stella Maris Leadership Gold Awards 2026
On Wednesday, we hosted the Stella Maris Leadership Gold Awards. This year, an impressive 76 students achieved their Gold, a record-breaking number since the award was established in 2019. To earn their Gold, students must have earnt their Bronze and Silver award, achieved virtue commendations from all four categories; Civic, Moral, Performance and Intellectual; had…
City of York Council proud to support LGBTQIA+ communities
City of York Council will once again show its support for LGBTQIA+ communities by taking part in York Pride, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion across the city. Council teams will have a strong and visible presence at York Pride, taking place on Saturday 30 May, where thousands of residents and visitors are expected to come…
Plans to reform provision for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in York
Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in York will find it easier to get early support and have their needs met in mainstream schools if proposed changes to SEND provision are approved next month (2 June). City of York Council’s Executive will consider York’s draft Local SEND Reform Plan, which outlines the city’s…
Council shares transport information as York Station Gateway Highway works set to complete
City of York Council has published travel information for residents and visitors to assist them to get to the city centre and station in advance of upcoming road closures around York Station. Work to finish the carriageway surfacing around York Station will start on 1 June and be carried out in four stages. Details for…
GSAL named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the Big Organisation category, in the school’s first year of entering the national awards programme. Published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, founded by Lord Mark Price, the nationwide survey celebrates organisations leading…
Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer team up to provide specialist lymphoedema care locally
Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer have teamed up to provide specialist lymphoedema care in York. Lymphoedema is a long term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues, due to lymphatic fluid accumulating. Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system (a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove…
Michael Crawford CBE marks groundbreaking of new Bradford ‘Home from Home’
Construction begins on new home for families with a baby in neonatal intensive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which will open in 2027 Stage and screen legend Michael Crawford CBE joined supporters, families, hospital staff and dignitaries as work officially began on a new ‘Home from Home’ for families with premature or ill baby at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The landmark moment marks the start of construction on the new home, which is being delivered…
York welcomes new Lord Mayor for 26/27
City of York Council’s Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting has seen the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of York, with Councillor Margaret Wells officially appointed as the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of York. Councillor Wells is returning for her second tenure of the highly prestigious and historic office, which is second only…
Archbishop Holgate’s School triumphs at York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition
Archbishop Holgate’s School has won this year’s prestigious York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition. Secondary school pupils from schools across the city battled it out for the top slot, going head-to-head to debate one of four topics: Smart phones make present day life much better for children. York is a city with a past but…
Football’s coming home – new bar & huge new football venue announced for England fans this Summer
Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer, transforming into an evening fan zone with three super-sized 5m x 3m screens, a brand new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters. Free to attend and opening in time for the start…
Kids’ Carnival comes back to White Rose due to popular demand
Families are in for a treat this half term as the ever-popular Kids’ Carnival returns to White Rose Shopping Centre with rides and games for all ages from 21st – 31st May. The free-to-enter carnival will run from 11am – 9pm during school holidays and weekends, and from 3pm–8pm on weekdays outside of school holidays. Guests can…
100 Bradford businesses back local hospital charity
From takeaways to pharmacies, businesses unite behind families with babies on the neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. More than 100 businesses and faith organisations across Bradford have committed to supporting Bradford Hospitals Charity, showing strong community backing for local healthcare. The money raised and donated will help build a ‘Home from Home’,…
The Link Between Fuel and Food
When people talk about the cost of living, they talk about energy bills, mortgages and wage stagnation. Rarely does the conversation land on fuel. And almost never does it land on the cold chain that moves food from producer to plate. That invisibility is part of the problem. I want to make the connection explicit,…
York and Lviv leaders meet to discuss resilience
The leaders of City of York Council and the Ukrainian city of Lviv, have met to discuss their cities’ and residents’ resilience. On Thursday 16 April, Cllr Claire Douglas met members of Lviv city for their third meeting in 12 months. They were joined by representatives of the UK Resilience Academy based near Easingwold, and…
Rest day to be trialled at York’s Christmas market
A rest day will be trialled at York’s Christmas market this year to increase access to the city centre for all. The decision was made at the council’s Executive meeting on Tuesday 12 May. It means that on Tuesdays throughout the market, the stalls will be closed and the Goodramgate-King’s Square-Colliergate loop for Blue Badge…
University Centre Leeds launches new FinTech degree
A brand new degree, designed to equip learners with the future-ready skills needed to thrive in FinTech, one of the fastest-growing global sectors, is starting in September 2026 at University Centre Leeds. Open for applications, BSc (Hons) Financial Technology is a dynamic three-year programme which blends core principles of finance and accounting with cutting-edge training…
Foster Care Fortnight: York children and young people need local foster carers now
City of York Council’s fostering team is urging local people like you to help change children and young people’s lives through fostering. The council always needs local people to provide safe, loving homes to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families. And there are lots of benefits to fostering with your…
Over £1 million awarded to boost young people’s mental health through creative writing and ethical AI
York St John University partners with Goldsmiths and University of Leeds for Creative Writing Together project A major new research project led by York St John University has secured over £1 million in funding to support young people’s mental health, strengthen family relationships and promote inclusion through creative writing. The three-year project, Creative Writing Together, is…
Leeds Beckett Innovation projects earn top ‘Outstanding’ rating from Innovate UK
Two research-led Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects between Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and Yorkshire-based companies Sniffers Pet Care and Ardent have achieved the highest possible grading of Outstanding from Innovate UK. The recognition highlights the significant commercial impact, innovation, and long‑term growth and sustainability delivered through the university’s research expertise and close collaboration with its industry partners…