New Council homes and £1m of improvements set to regenerate Walmgate
Work planned to regenerate the South Walmgate area with 36 new Council homes and new landscaping are just some of the improvements planned for a city centre community. A Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) has been taking shape following a series of consultations involving local residents, and is being presented to Executive for approval in early…
Upgraded cycle stands coming to York city centre
Cyclists using central York’s cycle parking will see a number of improvements over September, with ten cycle parking locations being upgraded. City of York Council will be removing existing stands which are in poor condition, as well as taking out several temporary bolt-down style cycle stands and replacing them with “Sheffield” cycle parking stands. In…
Ex-banker says social work career pivot is his calling
A man who swapped a career in banking to train as a social worker after being made redundant is encouraging others to follow their passions and consider a return to education. Omar Khan, 35, enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work programme at the University of Bradford after losing his job as a bank manager at Santander…
Young Yorkshire cricketer scores GCSE success
Lolita, a young Yorkshire cricketer and student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), is celebrating after receiving her GCSE results. Lolita, a standout cricketer who has played for Yorkshire since 2024, was named the highest wicket taker at the end of her team’s last season. She recently scored her first 50 for Nottinghamshire as…
Team GB showjumper riding high after top GCSE results
A talented Team GB showjumper is celebrating after receiving her GCSE results. India, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has balanced her studies with competing in elite competitions including Horse of the Year, the Royal International Horse Show and the Pony Foxhunter Final. In 2026, she was selected to represent Great Britain…
Twice as nice: Leeds twins receive exceptional GCSE results
Leeds twins Lochan and Lokesh, students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), are seeing double after receiving their GCSE results. Both Lochan and Lokesh received similarly outstanding results with 19 grade 9s between them. Both will stay on at GSAL to study A-levels in maths, further maths, biology and chemistry and have aspirations to…
Discovery Playground brings research to life
Youngsters enjoyed a day of creative activities and hands-on learning at Bradford’s Peel Park, where University of Bradford researchers shared insights from their work on children’s play, wellbeing and development. ‘Child’s Play: Discovery Playground’ saw youngsters aged between five and 14 take part in a host of interactive experiences designed to showcase research that impacts…
Yorkshire golfers score tee-rific GCSE results
Two junior golfers are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results. Elliot from Leeds and Bella from Harrogate, students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), both achieved top grades in nine subjects including physical education. Elliot, who has been playing golf since the age of 10, won the Yorkshire Under-14 Championship in 2024 and plays…
Young Leeds actor receives outstanding GCSE results
A talented actor and musician from Leeds has scored a string of top GCSE grades. Will, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has starred in national productions including Animal Farm and Why The Whales Came. Currently appearing in the world premiere of brand new musical Sea Change at Birmingham Hippodrome, Will has…
York celebrates Key Stage 4 (GCSE) students’ success
City of York Council education leaders have congratulated students across the city as they receive their GCSE and Key Stage 4 results today (Thursday 20 August). Cllr Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Congratulations to all the young people receiving their GCSE and Key Stage 4 results today. Reaching this point…
428,000 miss Making Tax Digital’s first filing deadline – Azets
Almost half the people eligible for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have missed the first filing deadline, according an analysis from accountancy and business advisory group Azets. Figures from HMRC showed 436,000 taxpayers filed their first MTD for Income Tax quarterly update on time on August 7 – 50.5% of those who should…
72% of GCSES at The Grammar School at Leeds awarded top 7/8/9 grades
Students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) have achieved excellent exam results, with 72% of all GCSEs awarded the top grades of 7, 8 or 9 (A/A*). 52% of entries were awarded grade 8 or above, and 27% awarded grade 9. GSAL’s GCSE Class of 2026 includes a Yorkshire cricketer, a Team GB showjumper,…
Weight loss drug users turn to social media over doctors for advice, new study finds
York St John University collaborates on timely research into perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro use in the UK. Researchers from the UK and Canada have found that users of GLP-1 medications – weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels – often rely on…
From Barcelona to Bradford: Student secures nursing place through Clearing on holiday
A woman who went through Clearing for a nursing programme at the University of Bradford while on holiday has encouraged others to follow in her footsteps. Chance Ismail, 26, was in Barcelona with her sister in August 2025 when she decided to initially contact UCAS for a place on the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme at the…
Kirklees College students achieve life-changing results across Level 3 and T Level courses
A range of students from Kirklees College have been celebrating after achieving incredible results across Level 3 and T Level courses. This success is a testament to their hard work and determination. Throughout their time at Kirklees College, they have also been supported by their inspiring tutors on the path to these incredible achievements. In…
York celebrates A Level students’ success
City of York Council education leaders are congratulating students across the city who have received their A Level, T Level and post 16 vocational qualifications results today (Thursday 13 August 2026). Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Congratulations to all the young people receiving their A…
Plan ahead for resurfacing works on Beckfield Lane
Over 1km of Beckfield Lane is set to be resurfaced from next week (from Monday 17 August), as part of this year’s record investment in the council’s Highways Maintenance Programme. Work will start on Beckfield Lane, from Wetherby Road to the junction of Lidgett Grove. This work builds on recent work to resurface footpaths, improve…
University of Bradford ranked 1st (again) in England for improving access to higher education
Pictured above: Professor Gillian Murray, University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor. Credit: University of Bradford. The University of Bradford has been ranked first in England by the Social Mobility Commission for recruiting the most disadvantaged students, when location is factored in. The report covers universities across England and is designed to measure which universities do the most to improve access…
Residents urged to look out for Annual Canvass
Residents across York are being asked to keep an eye on their inboxes and letterboxes as City of York Council begins its annual electoral registration canvass from 17 August. The annual canvass plays a vital role in ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote can take part in local and national elections. By checking…
Bradford archaeologists investigate 6,000-year-old secrets hidden beneath Yorkshire moorland
Archaeologists from the University of Bradford are coming to the end of a two-week investigating evidence of some of the earliest known human activity in the South Pennines. Staff and students are taking part in a major field project at Bridestones Moor, near Todmorden, until August 14, exploring traces of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities who lived…
Major Transpennine Route Upgrade works to drive forward Huddersfield station transformation this autumn
Customers will soon benefit from a more reliable, accessible and greener railway as the Transpennine Route Upgrade takes another significant step towards the transformation of Huddersfield station and the wider railway this autumn. From Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October 2026, engineers will be working around the clock to deliver a significant package of improvements in and around Huddersfield, helping improve reliability, increase capacity and support…
Iran war pushing up cost of borrowing for small businesses
The ongoing war in Iran which is pushing up the cost of borrowing for Yorkshire small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may be the final nail in the coffin for some businesses, says a sector specialist. Mark Barrie, head of debt advisory at UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets, believes the war – which began in…
Improvement works on Bishopthorpe Road progressing ahead of schedule
As part of a long-term programme to resurface York’s roads and replace, upgrade and maintain traffic light systems across the city, the council has begun improvement works on Bishopthorpe Road this August. The project is currently progressing ahead of schedule, meaning the planned resurfacing works can now be completed earlier than anticipated, helping us keep…
Council launches public consultation over proposed extension of PSPO
City of York Council is seeking residents’ views on the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre. A PSPO is a legal power available to local authorities under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is designed to help address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the…
Enrolment Hotline opens at Kirklees College for 2026/2027 academic year
For over 200 years, Kirklees College has been at the forefront of vocational and technical education, and it’s time for new students to join this historic institution. This morning, Kirklees College officially opened its Enrolment Hotline call centre, taking queries from the public who want to join a course starting in September. The hotline number…
Institute for Equity, University Centre celebrates 100% compliance rating in British Accreditation Council inspection
Vice Principal Janet Cash praises staff, fellows, and students as specialist UK higher education institution meets every evaluated standard across governance, teaching and student support. I am thrilled to share that the Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC) has successfully completed a full inspection by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) under the Independent Higher Education…
Core Telecom returns as headline sponsor of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for a fourth consecutive year
Core Telecom is proud to announce that we will once again be the Headline Sponsor of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, marking our fourth consecutive year supporting this inspirational event. Taking place this November, the awards celebrate the extraordinary bravery, resilience, and achievements of children and young people from across Yorkshire who have overcome…
TRU launches communication cards as part of its commitment to delivering a more accessible railway
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has placed accessibility at the heart of its transformation of the railway across the North since its inception. The latest example of this commitment is the introduction of new Customer Communication Cards, designed to help break down communication barriers between customers and railway staff. The cards include simple prompts and conversation starters to help…
New Cultural Passport scheme for young people in York and North Yorkshire appeals for project bids
Applications for proposals to help young people across York and North Yorkshire to benefit from arts, culture and heritage activities are now open. Developed by City of York Council, supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Cultural Passports for Young People provide funding…
Ex-fashion retail boss on trend with honorary award
A proud Bradfordian and University alumnus, John Hinchcliffe, the former boss of Bradford-based fashion retailer Freemans Grattan Holdings has praised the University of Bradford for “supercharging” his life after receiving an honorary award. John was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his ‘unstinting commitment to the University, business and the Bradford district’. Who is…
Government’s technical education reforms reinforce the need to expand Leeds College of Building’s construction technical excellence college
Leeds College of Building has welcomed the announcement on expanding technical education pathways for young people from the age of 14, placing technical and academic routes on an equal footing and strengthening links between education, employers and regional growth priorities. The College believes the reforms are a significant endorsement of the specialist, employer-led approach it…
School leavers and their families offered free online sessions to demystify Clearing ahead of A level results day
Pre-results day events aim to take some of the stress out of the rush for university places York St John University is pleased to be offering free online events designed to help prospective students and their families to navigate university entry. Taking place on Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5, and Thursday 6 August, the webinars will…
TRU’s Baker Viaduct crosses the River Calder in Ravensthorpe
The newly built Baker Viaduct in Ravensthorpe now spans the River Calder with the penultimate pair of beams installed today (July 29), connecting the structural steelwork either side of the water. The 350m long, 2,400-tonne viaduct now spans two waterways after crossing the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal last year, and forms a pivotal…
Bradford 2025 Creative Director awarded honorary doctorate
Bradford 2025 Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar MBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her contribution to culture, public life and the creative industries. Born in Keighley and still living in the district, Shanaz has spent her career exploring the stories, communities and landscapes that shape Yorkshire, building a reputation…
Plan ahead for upcoming works on Bishopthorpe Junction
As part of a long-term programme to resurface York’s roads and replace, upgrade, and maintain traffic light systems across the city, the council will be working on Bishopthorpe Road throughout August. This work will see ageing traffic lights replaced, improved drainage, refreshed road markings and resurfaced roads to make journeys in the area smoother and…
Kirklees College celebrates the impact of adult education as it launches its new adult course guide
Kirklees College has launched not only its new Adult Course Guide for September 2026, but also a brand-new video, ‘Your Next Chapter’, which highlights the meaningful impact of adult and community education at the college. Produced in collaboration with Sam Teale Productions, an award-winning production company based in Kirklees, the new video shines a spotlight…
North Yorkshire homebuilders warn children of potential summer risks
As the summer holidays approach, Barratt and David Wilson Homes are encouraging children to stay away from building sites and urging families in North Yorkshire to choose safer places to play. The leading developers are encouraging families to make use of local parks, playgrounds and leisure centres for fun, engaging activities that keep children safe…
Syrian refugee student proud after graduating with first-class honours
A University of Bradford student who fled war-torn Syria as a child is celebrating after graduating with first-class honours, less than 10 years after arriving in the UK. Ahmad Hamdan left his hometown of Aleppo in Syria aged 10 during the country’s civil war, moving to Turkiye with his parents, sister and three brothers, then…
New chapter for King’s Manor as York St John University moves in
Historic medieval landmark in York to continue its long tradition as a place of education. York St John University is delighted to become the custodian of King’s Manor and will begin moving into the historic buildings over the summer, ready to welcome students and staff for the start of the academic year in September. The…
Like mother, like daughter – family dig deep to graduate together
A mother and daughter have enjoyed a family celebration with a difference – after both graduating together from the University of Bradford. Elaine Shaw and her daughter, Anysia Padgett, have completed their studies in BA (Hons) Heritage and Archaeology and BSc Archaeology respectively. The pair have spent much of their degree programmes learning side-by-side, sharing…
June 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response
There were 1,845 corporate insolvencies in June 2026 in England and Wales – four fewer than in May 2026 (1,849), and 10% fewer than in June 2025 (2,048) Leeds-based Richard Oddy, restructuring and insolvency partner at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, says: “June’s corporate insolvency figures were dominated by…
York’s 100 year-old D-Day veteran receives prestigious city honour
Ken Cooke, who took part in D-Day in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York. Conferring the honour took place at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, at the city’s Guildhall yesterday (Thursday 16 July). Mr Cooke, aged 100, was a…
Hidden historic space at St Leonard’s to open to the public this summer
Visitors to York will soon be able to enjoy access to a rarely seen section of the city’s historic monastic hospital, as partners across the city come together to open the usually closed area at St Leonard’s for the summer season. City of York Council has been working alongside Explore York, York Museum Trust, York BID and York Archaeology to make…
Ed Anderson CBE receives honorary award from the University of Leeds
Honorary Degrees to recognise success England rugby star Ellie Kildunne MBE and renowned political correspondent Steve Rosenberg are among those recognised with honorary degrees by the University of Leeds. Social change campaigner Tina Leslie MBE also received an honorary degree, and Leeds alum Rachel Lord returned to the University to receive her award. Peter and…
Homecoming honour for organisation founder supporting the vulnerable
The co-founder of an organisation tackling health inequalities among vulnerable people has returned to her home city to receive an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Yvonne Stocks DL is co-founder, director and chairperson of Palm Cove Society (PCS), which address disadvantage, inequalities, education, community bias and health needs experienced by vulnerable people, including…
Project SEARCH Interns celebrated at Graduation Ceremony
The Kirklees College Project SEARCH interns recently came together to celebrate their achievements and successes over the academic year. Over 50 additional people attended the event, including Kirklees College Principal Palvinder Singh and Councillor Karen Allison, Mayor of Kirklees, alongside parents, carers of students and a number of key employers who were involved with the…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre are driving local growth, contributing over £308m to the local economy and supporting more than 6,300 jobs
Landsec, owner of one of the UK’s leading retail destination portfolios, has released its annual social and economic impact report revealing how Trinity Leeds and White Rose are helping to drive local growth, contributing £308,095,816 to the local economy and supporting 6,347 jobs in 2025.* Together, Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre play an important…
Hostile UK tax system is crushing entrepreneurship – Azets
Changes and clarity needed to create and keep the next generation of Bransons, Dysons and Bartletts, says UK Head of Tax Britain’s tax system is crushing entrepreneurs and needs to be changed if the government wants more people in Yorkshire to start, scale and sell a business, a tax expert has warned. Praveen Gupta, UK…