College motorsports event inspires next generation of talent
A unique motorsports event for young vehicle enthusiasts celebrated the end of a specialist Bradford College engagement programme this week. Since the start of September, around 35 Motor Vehicle students have benefitted from the ‘Bradford Motorsport Engagement Programme’ (BMEP) programme, funded by Mission 44. The BMEP initiative aims to inspire and educate the next generation…
The future of philanthropy: The Grammar School at Leeds announces new partnership with Leeds Community Foundation
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has announced a new partnership with Leeds Community Foundation, the region’s largest independent grant-maker. GSAL has supported Leeds Community Foundation’s core work as members since 2013, but this new partnership signals a new and exciting way of working together. GSAL students will engage in fundraising and volunteering to support…
Renovated campus facilities officially open after major refurb
An impressive £750k refurbishment project has transformed Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus following an eight-week renovation programme. Award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects managed the extensive summer works that rejuvenated the site and created contemporary and accessible facilities for construction students. Building work took place over four floors, incorporating the transformation of the former…
York Opportunities Event for young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities
Approximately 30 employers, education providers and support services from across the region will be exhibiting at the SEND Opportunities Event at Askham Bryan College on Wednesday (16 October) from 3.30-6.30pm. The event is for young people in Year 9 or above, with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities who live in York, Leeds and North Yorkshire, as…
Thousands of people across Humber and North Yorkshire invited to share their attitudes and understanding of cancer to help shape more inclusive NHS cancer services
Regional survey of over 5,660 residents to be carried out by York St John University on behalf of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance. The Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI) at York St John University and Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance are working in partnership with local Healthwatch organisations to undertake the…
Kirk Sandall Junior School installs solar panels with funding from the Drax Foundation
Drax Foundation funding has saved three schools an estimated 14.5 tonnes of combined carbon emissions this year, the equivalent of 24 transatlantic flights between London and New York. The Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group (Drax), has funded the installation of solar panels at Kirk Sandall Junior School as part…
Autism Plus expands social enterprise with new Knaresborough site
Empowering Young Adults with Autism and Learning Disabilities through Artisan Chocolate Production and Meaningful Activities Autism Plus has opened a new site in Knaresborough, bringing together its North Yorkshire social enterprises under one roof. This new facility represents a major step forward in providing meaningful training and employment opportunities for young adults with autism and…
It’s Not Love digital resources launched to support professionals working with children
A new package of digital resources has been developed by York St John University and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to help support teachers and professionals working with children and young people in secondary school to explore healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships. The resources are a mixture of…
Future generation – schools given opportunity to shine with Drax’s 50th anniversary art competition
Schoolchildren are being invited by Drax to submit their designs for a poster that visualises the energy industry workers of the 21st century. Winners will see their designs showcased at the power station’s history display, as part of its golden anniversary celebrations. Renewable energy pioneer, Drax, is offering schoolchildren in communities local to Drax Power…
Bradford College completes £6.9m mill transformation project
A multimillion-pound renovation project at Bradford College has transformed a derelict mill into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. Garden Mills on Thornton Road opened its doors to staff and students this week after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building. The development results from £5.8 million…
Specialist CITB-IOC carpentry event welcomes Leeds Construction Craft students
Leeds College of Building is the latest ‘CITB -IOC Timber Industry College Hub’ to organise a bespoke trade event with the Institute of Carpentry (IOC). The showcase day promoted the wealth of global career opportunities and experiences available to carpentry and joinery students as new IOC members. As well as exploring IOC benefits, students also…
The Grammar School at Leeds recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to announce its recognition as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2024/25 academic year. This prestigious status places GSAL among an elite group of schools worldwide celebrated for their pioneering approach to education, teaching and learning. Being named a Microsoft Showcase School reflects GSAL’s commitment to innovation…
Leeds Beckett experts and Aggregate Industries reducing injury risk in the construction materials industry
A groundbreaking project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry. The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, part-funded by…
Improve financial education to boost resilience in young people, Yorkshire experts say
Charity leaders, think-tank representatives and members of parliament came together on Friday (Friday, 13 September) to discuss the financial resilience of young people, as part of an event held by Yorkshire Building Society. The event, to mark UK Savings Week (9-15 September), was hosted by the Society’s director of savings Chris Irwin, and Luke Charters,…
York primary schools urged to take part in new national school breakfast club scheme
Primary Schools across York are being urged to join the Government’s scheme to host free breakfast clubs, following on from the pioneering work of the city’s York Hungry Minds Appeal. Last week [24 September], Chancellor Rachel Reeves, announced plans to fund free breakfast clubs in 750 ‘early adopter’ state-funded primary schools across the country from April next…
Schofield Sweeney invests in lawyers of the future
Award-winning law firm Schofield Sweeney has welcomed a new cohort of solicitor apprentices and trainees this month. The firm is recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and saw a record number of applicants this year for its pathways into law. The firm advocates social mobility, ensuring its workforce is diverse and inclusive…
Silver award recognises healthy, sustainable and ethically sourced catering at York St John University
YSJ Kitchen receives prestigious Food for Life Silver certification from the Soil Association The York St John Catering team are celebrating after achieving the Food for Life Silver award from the Soil Association. This sector-leading certification independently recognises the quality of the food served on campus and the measures that have been taken to protect…
Free courses to support parents and carers in York
Parents and carers in York are being reminded that there is a wide range of free courses to help support them and their children, many of which are available online. The courses are run by both national and local providers and cover a wide range of topics from pregnancy and newborns, to teenagers or children…
Leeds Beckett University supporting Wakefield greetings card company’s growth with innovative use of RFID technology
The rollout of new patented Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, supported by Leeds Beckett University experts, is helping Wakefield-based Riverside Greetings realise their ambition to become the largest supplier of greetings cards to convenience and forecourt stores in the UK. The RFID technology has been piloted, and patented, as part of a two-year Knowledge Transfer…
Leeds Beckett student shines in national apprentice of the year shortlist
Trish Burley, current Level 6 Chartered Manager Apprentice at Leeds Beckett University has been shortlisted for the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) prestigious Outstanding Apprentice of the Year award. Recognised for her dedication to learning at university, professionalism in the workplace and her outstanding contribution as a course representative, Trish was nominated by Helen Kennedy-Holleman, Head of Degree Apprenticeships…
Construction students cement success at annual BIG Awards
Incredible student winners from across construction specialisms took centre stage at the annual Leeds College of Building BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards. Host and TV and radio broadcaster Rich Williams announced 49 award-winners at the poignant ceremony held at Leeds United FC Centenary Pavilion, Elland Road, showcasing students and apprentices from the 2023/2024 academic year. CEO & Principal Nikki…
Oscrete welcomes new laboratory-based apprentice
Bradford-based specialist construction chemical supplier Oscrete is boosting its team with a further apprentice appointment. New Materials and Testing Apprentice Rennison Forrest-Parkinson joins Oscrete’s laboratory team this month in his first full time role since leaving Guiseley High School. Rennison (19) already has a construction background after shadowing a construction site manager and undertaking work…
Student becomes first York St John University Fellow to attend prestigious Venice Biennale festival
York St John University master’s in Fine Art (MFA) student Lily Horton has been chosen as a Venice Biennale Fellow. Lily is the first York St John student to receive this honour, part of a new partnership between the University and the British Council. The Venice Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious…
Bradford College named a prestigious ‘Microsoft Showcase School’
Bradford College is one of an elite group of education institutions recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2024/2025 academic year. Microsoft Showcase Schools are global pioneers in education. Only a few institutions earn the title each year for their impact on education through digital transformation, representing “the best of teaching and learning in…
York St John University is University of the Year for Social Inclusion
York St John University has been named as the University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. The title was given to York St John in recognition of its commitment to empowering students from all backgrounds with the opportunity to study and thrive in higher…
Impact of Leeds Beckett University’s partnership work celebrated in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
The strength of Leeds Beckett University’s partnership work has been recognised by the fourth national Knowledge Exchange Framework – with the University placed in the top 20% of universities in three categories. Research England has published its updated KEF4 today (Wednesday 18 October), which examines how well English Higher Education Providers exchange knowledge and expertise to make…
TransPennine Express welcomes the next generation of railway talent
TransPennine Express (TPE) has opened its doors to eight new apprentices, expanding its team with fresh talent who will experience different areas of the business as part of a popular two-year scheme. The new cohort of apprentices who come from towns and cities across the region including Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and Middlesbrough will receive an…
Ukrainian refugee awarded scholarship at inaugural York Hospitality Awards
Mariana Kachun, a Ukrainian refugee and Chef de Rang at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa has been presented a scholarship from York St John University. Mariana was a finalist in the inaugural HAY Hospitality Awards on Thursday 5th September at the Radisson Hotel in York. The application for her award moved the judges when they learned…
Event returns to help businesses recruit and retain staff
With nationwide job vacancies at their highest for 25 years, local businesses are being invited to a free and interactive session to explore how they can attract new employees and reduce their staff turnover. Organised by City of York Council’s Economic Growth team in partnership with Start and Grow York, Recruitment and Retention: Resilience will take place…
World’s largest ever study on chair-based yoga for people with long-term health conditions shows mixed results
Researchers from the University of York, York St John University and Northumbria University have successfully completed the world’s largest ever study into the benefits of chair-based yoga for older people with multiple long-term health conditions. The study, which was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), found that a specially designed…
Leeds Beckett experts helping to boost growth of Leeds-based national programme management consultancy
Leadership and marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have formed a new partnership with Mercury3 Consult, a programme management consultancy primarily specialising in the rail sector, to support the company’s growth into new services and markets. The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. Academics based in Leeds Business…
Job seekers invited to city centre Jobs Fair
York’s Jobs Fair returns this month and any resident looking for work or support into training or employment is warmly invited to it. Drop in at the Railway Institute’s Sports Centre, Queen Street, York YO24 1AD, any time from 11am – 2pm on Tuesday 17 September. Funded by City of York Council and organised by…
York celebrates Key stage 4 (GCSE) students’ success
City of York Council education leaders have congratulated students across the city on their GCSE results today (Thursday 22 August). Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young people and Education, said: “Huge congratulations to all the students who have received their GCSE and Key Stage 4 results today, and to the school staff,…
Support available for exam students
With Key Stage 5 results and Key Stage 4 results due over the next few days [15 August and 22 August, respectively], City of York Council is reminding young people about the support available at this important time. Support is available for school leavers who are seeking an apprenticeship or employment opportunity, wanting to move…
York celebrates A Level students’ success
City of York Council education leaders are congratulating students who have received their A Level, T level and post 16 vocational results today (Thursday 15 August). Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said: “It’s always wonderful to be able to celebrate young people’s achievements. And for…
Leeds Beckett experts team up with Bradford freight firm to boost international growth
International marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have joined forces with Baildon-based Freight Agency Limited, to support the business’s ambitious plans for overseas market growth. The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. A team of Leeds Business School academics will lead the project to boost Freight Agency’s strategic…
York St John University offers accommodation guarantee to ease the stress on A level Results Day
University shares Clearing support for 2024 applicants. Thursday 15 August is a huge day for thousands of teenagers across the country as they find out if their A level results have secured them a place at university. For those who don’t get the grades they need, want to swap courses, or just make a last-minute…
Leeds Beckett University experts help to develop digital solution to support children who stammer
Speech and Language Therapy and Psychology researchers at Leeds Beckett University are joining forces with stammering experts, SuperPenguin, and three NHS organisations to develop an innovative app and web platform to support children who stammer. The three-year project has received £1.5m funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The team will enhance…
Final phase of construction project brings rooftop reading space to The Leeds Library
The final phase of capital works project The Next Chapter is underway at The Leeds Library. In the biggest expansion in its 255-year-history, completion of the project will make the library accessible for the first time, unite its collection and archive, and create a new event space and a rooftop reading terrace. The library acquired…
Bradford mill demolition paves way for £17m cutting-edge future technologies centre
Newly appointed contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road, making way for Bradford College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. The demolition of Junction Mills marks the start of construction on the state-of-the-art four-storey building, which will become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering training at Bradford College. Once opened, the…
Training course percentage increase to bookings
Local Professional Procurement Training Provider S. L. Procurement Solutions Limited have been celebrating this week, with an increase of interest and bookings of their Procurement based training courses. Working closely with the region’s businesses, the training company have seen a 6% increase in local businesses getting in touch to organise Procurement training for their staff….
Bradford College degree approved by Social Work England
Social Work England has approved the full-time BA (Hons) Social Work degree at Bradford College as meeting rigorous industry standards. The result comes after a challenging inspection from 16-19 April by Social Work England – the regulatory body that monitors and approves social work education and training programmes across the country. The result means Bradford College…
Students bring York Minster Collections to life for hospital patients
Photography students from York St John University have been part of a unique collaboration with York Minster, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Foss Park Hospital to find new ways of showcasing the cathedral’s historic collections. The students were offered the opportunity to photograph some of the fantastic artefacts that are not…
Airedale by Modine™ celebrates apprenticeship success
The critical cooling specialists, with manufacturing, training and R&D facilities in Leeds and Bradford, celebrates apprentice’s first class achievements in mechanical engineering degree. Airedale by ModineTM, the critical cooling specialists, is celebrating apprenticeships this month, with a special mention to apprentice George Hardesty who has graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering…
Former construction students lead major renovation at building college
A team of ex-students from Leeds College of Building has returned to their roots as skilled construction professionals, ready to start a major £750k refurbishment project. Fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects has kicked off a summer renovation programme at the College’s North Street Campus. The eight-week plan will rejuvenate the site and create contemporary and accessible…
York business leads revolution in microscope technology
A pioneering York business is leading the way in cutting-edge microscope technology, thanks to support from City of York Council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub. Poppleton-based business York Probe Sources (YPS) make parts for powerful electron microscopes, which use electron beams to generate high-resolution images of samples as small as viruses and…
York’s free school meals pilots reach 6-month milestone
School pupils at two primary schools in York are celebrating the six-month anniversary of an ambitious scheme to pilot free school meals for children in the city. Pupils in key Stage 2 (years 3-6)* at Westfield Primary Community School started receiving free school lunches at the start of the year, thanks to funding from City…
Excellence in education celebrated at Bradford College STAR Awards
Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford was filled with excitement and anticipation for the first-ever Bradford College STAR Awards ceremony. The prestigious event celebrated outstanding achievements and excellence in education, honouring College students and employers for their remarkable contributions over the past academic year. The new Awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their…