Rachel Reeves, member of Parliament for Leeds West and Pudsey and Chancellor of the Exchequer, recently toured the under-construction Pudsey Sixth Form College and met with prospective students.
The new sixth form college, expected to host around 700 learners, is set to open its doors to its first cohort of students in September this year. The new sixth form is being created due to the changing post-16 landscape, with many schools that have a sixth form provision increasingly facing challenges to continue providing a viable offer that meets the needs and expectations of young people as they progress.
Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “I was delighted to see the progress being made in developing this new sixth form in my constituency. Speaking to future Pudsey Sixth Form College students while on the visit, their positivity around being able to remain in the local area to attend sixth form was clear. Without the creation of this large new sixth form college, many prospective students would instead have to travel further afield for their sixth form education.
A key reason behind the creation of Pudsey Sixth Form College is to increase capacity and coherence in the local post-16 landscape. Once operational, Pudsey Sixth Form College will not only ensure that young people have additional learning opportunities locally but it will also release capacity in partner schools.
This is what encouraged Crawshaw Academy, Co-op Academy Priesthorpe and Leeds West Academy to approach Leeds Sixth Form College and Leeds City College (members of Luminate Education Group) to form a partnership.
Phil Mark, Principal of Pudsey Sixth Form College, said: “It is exciting to think that in a few short months, Pudsey Sixth Form College will begin its role providing the young people of Pudsey and the surrounding area with educational opportunities leading to employment or further study. Drawing on links with Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College, this new sixth form in Pudsey will be able to expertly provide both academic and technical courses for young people.”
Funding for the ambitious project has been sourced through a £12.7 million loan from the Department for Education, signalling the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in areas like Pudsey. The development, which is being undertaken by Caddick Construction, represents a significant investment in the future of Pudsey’s young people.
Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, said: “We are pleased to be delivering this much needed sixth form college, and it was a pleasure to actually welcome prospective students and local figureheads to the site to see the progress we are making. This project is not just about the building; it’s about giving local people the educational resources to help them succeed, contributing to a thriving community. We’re grateful for Rachel Reeves’ interest and support, and we look forward to continuing our work to welcome new students to the project later this year.”
The country’s finances, as the autumn budget has just starkly reminded us, are in dire straits – which means how we choose to spend public money is more important than ever, writes Kevin O’Hare, Principal of Keighley College.
That is especially true in the under-resourced field of state education, which has such a key role to play in equipping our young people (and adults) with the skills the country needs.
That is why we at Keighley College – along with the Association of Colleges and many schools and academies – welcome the new value for money review of proposed new ‘free schools’ that has been announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. This will involve scrutinising 44 proposals that were approved, in principle, by central government under the previous administration. Those include plans for New College Keighley, an academic sixth form college that would be run by the New Collaborative Learning Trust (NCLT) and increase sixth form provision in the district by 1,000 places*.
Announcing the review, Ms Phillipson made it clear that her focus will be on avoiding the ‘over-supply of places’ which, as well as representing poor value, ‘can be detrimental to the other, more established’ schools and colleges in the relevant areas.
And this touches upon the very heart of the matter.
Creating a destabilising surplus
Supporters of the free schools programme, championed by the last government, claim these new schools and colleges help to plug educational gaps while raising standards and creating fresh opportunities.
Those arguments may have some merit in specific circumstances, but only if these new institutions are actually needed in the areas concerned in the first place. That is precisely what the new review will be considering.
A report by Schools Week last year showed that around three in five planned free school places were scheduled to open in areas that had increasing numbers of surplus places. That national picture is reflected locally: in Keighley, for example, we know that currently we only have around 800 sixth form students across the district. So quite how those 1,000 extra places that New College Keighley is targeting will be filled, is a mystery.
Indeed, a recent Bradford Council document – Post 16 Sufficiency Assessment for Bradford – noted that not only was there already more than enough A level and other Level 3 qualification provision, but that what the local authority area is actually crying out for is more educational places for lower level courses. The report states that while ‘supply of Level 3 provision is…now broadly in line with need’, there is ‘significant demand for pre-Level 3 provision’.
Redirecting urgently needed funding
For Keighley, and the Bradford District, the additional A Level places that would be created by the proposed new college are not only not needed but would risk destabilising other local education providers and, ultimately, wasting public money. That is not just our view but one shared by the leaders of eight local schools and three further education colleges.
By creating an over-supply of educational places and aggressive competition, we would be facing a situation where either the new college fails or student numbers drop away at one or more of the existing colleges, thereby threatening their survival.
Any of those scenarios would represent an unacceptable waste of public funds and risk damaging, rather than enhancing, the level of local academic attainment by spreading the number of student places – and so funding – too thinly.
The value for money review offers the Department for Education the chance to identify and cancel such expensive red herrings and, instead, look at where the money could be more wisely spent. We would contend that supporting the growing demand for T Levels plus other vocational or technical qualifications, which will help tackle the country’s skills gap, would be a great place to start.
Education for all
When we campaigned last year, as a member of the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, against the then-government’s free schools plans, we and our partners raised the very same concerns that Ms Phillipson is now seeking to address.
We are confident this review will support our contention that, for most areas, these free schools and colleges would represent an unnecessary and costly distraction.
If so, we hope the Education Secretary will follow the logic of her argument and redirect the funds that are saved from scrapping such projects into our existing post-16 education provision: with a sharp focus on where additional places are required to meet local need.
A push for ‘elite’ provision, rather than local demand, was actually behind the previous government’s support for many of the new free sixth forms it approved in principle – which included proposals by Eton College and Star Academies Trust.
By conducting a thorough review, based on what represents the best possible value for public money, the new government can cancel some of these unneeded projects and put the funds to much better use. That would represent an important affirmation that raising the educational bar for the many, and not just a select few, is at the heart of its mission.
This thought leadership piece was recently published in The Yorkshire Post.
For several years, Luminate Education Group has partnered with Surplus to Purpose as one of our key food suppliers. This collaboration has brought significant benefits to the Group – not only in providing food for our canteens but also in positively impacting the environment by reducing food waste and supporting our sustainability pledge.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and student wellbeing, in September 2024, we introduced the Free Fruit and Veg for All campaign. This initiative ensures that all students and staff across the Luminate Education Group have access to free fruits and vegetables. By removing the cost barrier, we are making it easier than ever for our community to enjoy nutritious food options.
There is overwhelming evidence supporting the benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, from improving general health and cognitive function to enhancing learning and development. Encouraging healthy eating habits helps reinforce positive behaviour change, making nutritious food choices the norm rather than the exception.
The Work of Surplus to Purpose
Surplus to Purpose is an innovative social enterprise tackling the critical issue of food waste. Founded to create a more sustainable and socially responsible approach to food, they transform surplus food destined for disposal into valuable resources for communities, events, and schools across the UK.
Surplus to Purpose intercepts surplus food at its Purpose warehouse, which comes from all over the world. Every day, pallets of perfectly edible food that would otherwise go to waste are sorted. Globally, 6,000 calories per person per day are produced – yet half of that food never reaches a plate. Much of it is fed to animals, and the rest is simply discarded. Their mission is to change that.
All food is meticulously inspected for quality, ensuring only the best produce reaches those who need it. The process includes checking for spoilage, mould, and broken packaging before distributing the food to colleges, community groups, and individuals. Thanks to this partnership, students and staff at Luminate Education Group can enjoy fresh, healthy food every day.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
This initiative is about more than just providing free food – it’s about creating a sustainable, waste-conscious culture that prioritises both people and the planet. By working with Surplus to Purpose, Luminate Education Group is actively reducing food waste while promoting healthy eating habits within our learning community.
We’re incredibly proud of this partnership and the positive change it continues to bring. Whether you’re a student, staff member, or simply someone interested in sustainability, we invite you to support and spread awareness about the impact of food waste reduction and accessible nutrition.
That’s how a University Centre Leeds graduate has described being part of an all-black airline crew that helped celebrate Black History Month.
Chekayha Lemmon was chosen to be one of the team on the TUI flight from Manchester to Boa Vista, in Cape Verde, on Thursday 3 October.
The passengers – on both this flight and another from the airline on the same day, also staffed by an all-black crew, to Jamaica – were greeted by traditional steel bands as they checked in. The aim was to highlight the contribution of black and mixed heritage communities in the travel industry, while demonstrating TUI’s Caribbean and African Network Group’s motto: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’.
Chekayha recently completed a Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) in Travel and Tourism Management at the University Centre after studying aviation at Leeds City College.
Chekayha Lemmon (left) with fellow cabin crew members on TUI’s Black History Month flight to Cape Verde. Photograph: TUI.
A privilege and a pleasure
She said: “I felt honoured to be chosen amongst others that had applied for the position on the flight; it was a real privilege and pleasure to be able to be a part of this and promote Black History Month within the company.
“My career in aviation is the best- there isn’t a job like it, and for anyone that’s contemplating a role in the industry I’d say don’t hold back, go for it!”
All of the crew members had a story to tell about their motivations and routes into the industry.
Anything is possible
For Chekayha, education was key: “I studied aviation operations at college which I really enjoyed – it allowed me to learn and experience what the travel industry would be like!
“Then, a few years later, I moved onto studying at the university centre which was challenging, but when you’re determined to do something you can, as long as you put your mind to it. That’s especially true when you have a tutor like Leah Hughes, my travel and tourism management lecturer, That’s especially true when you have someone like Leah Hughes, who was my travel and tourism management lecturer, guiding you.”
Chekayha, who achieved a first class honours degree, is now looking forward to her graduation ceremony in Leeds this November.
Luminate Education Group was delighted to kick-start National Apprenticeship Week with an inspiring event at Leeds City College’s Printworks Campus, bringing together key industry leaders and apprentices to explore the crucial role of apprenticeships in the adoption of AI and the future of skills development.
We were honoured to welcome the Chancellor, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, and Microsoft UK CEO, Darren Hardman, alongside three exceptional apprentices – Hannah, Ria, and Oliver – who shared their experiences and insights on how apprenticeships are providing a pathway into AI-driven careers.
The Role of Apprenticeships in AI Adoption
The event provided a fascinating discussion on how apprenticeships are not only helping to build a strong talent pipeline but also accelerating AI adoption across industries.
We frequently talk about AI’s ability to enhance efficiency, creativity, and value – critical elements of economic growth. However, without skilled individuals equipped with the right knowledge, these opportunities remain untapped.
The panel discussion highlighted just how impactful apprenticeships can be in bridging this skills gap. Hannah, an Apprentice Data Scientist at Arup, noted, “Data and AI are transforming every sector. Apprenticeships are a way to get out of the classroom and do something real with direct application to the world of work.” Similarly, Ria, a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft UK, emphasised that “an apprenticeship will set you up with the skills you need to apply and understand how AI can create real opportunities for businesses.” Oliver, a Data Analyst Apprentice at United Utilities, added to this, stating that “AI holds amazing possibilities, and we’re only starting to realise what they are – it’s incredibly exciting to be involved.”
A Day of Insightful Discussions and Collaboration
The event continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Darren Hardman, which explored the intersection of business, skills, and regional growth in an AI-driven world.
Joining the conversation were Andrew Byrom, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Leeds City Council; Adrian Berry, Chief Technology Officer at ASDA; and Natalie Wilson, Vice Principal of Skills at Luminate Education Group.
Beyond the panel discussion, the event also featured workshops led by careers advisers and AI for Regional Growth roundtables. These sessions sparked valuable conversations about the future of work, the evolving skills landscape, and the role of businesses in supporting apprenticeships.
The day was not only about celebrating the benefits of apprenticeships but also about ensuring that businesses and policymakers continue to invest in developing the workforce of the future. By embracing these skills, the entire economy stands to benefit, driving forward the AI opportunity for both regional and national growth.
The Importance of National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week is about making more people aware of the opportunities available through apprenticeships, ensuring that future generations can access the same career-shaping experiences as the inspirational apprentices who joined us on the panel. As we continue to celebrate apprenticeships throughout the week, we look forward to further discussions on how skills development can drive innovation and growth.
A huge thank you to Microsoft, the Chancellor and HM Treasury as well as the Luminate Education Group team, for making this event a huge success.
University Centre Leeds is being hailed as a model example of how education providers should be working with employers.
The University Centre works closely with a number of businesses and organisations (including the NHS) and, in recent years, has strengthened those ties by pioneering Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
Designed to follow on from T Levels and A Levels, HTQs are developed in consultation with employers to ensure they produce ‘industry-ready’ individuals equipped with the specific skills needed to start in quality, advanced level roles.
Impressed by the University Centre’s track record of collaborating with businesses like Leeds-based cybersecurity solutions firm BlackDice, the Department for Education (DfE) visited earlier this year to make a video showcasing its approach.
The Univeristy Centre’s Dean of Higher Education, Dr Sarah Marquez, said: “Our work with employers to ensure our HTQs deliver exactly what they, our region and its economy needs is something we are very proud of.
“We became the first education institution in Yorkshire to gain approval to use the new quality mark, initially for our Cyber Security, Software Development and Computer Science courses, which launched in 2022.
“Since then we have expanded our HTQ portfolio to now include twelve other subjects, including health play specialism, business enterprise and management, healthcare assistant practitioner, PE and sport coaching, engineering, childcare, biomedical sciences, film and screen media, and animation.
“It is a testament to the quality and breadth of our offering that the Department for Education chose to visit us and record interviews about our collaboration with thriving businesses like BlackDice. We look forward to seeing how the footage is used to support what is a really important push to get more people, and businesses, to make the most of their potential by developing their higher technical skills.”
An ‘attractive proposition’ for businesses
The University Centre has been working closely with BlackDice’s Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Hague – who was also interviewed for the videos – on aspects of its cyber security and computer science degrees.
During her interview, Sarah said: “Students leaving with an HTQ will be a really attractive proposition for employers.
“Through occupational standards they will have developed the skills and knowledge that employers have asked for.
“For BlackDice, HTQs mean that we’ll be able to tap into work-ready talent that we might not have had access to.”
The University Centre is currently working with 120 employers and using their feedback to develop its courses – while aiming to team up with a further 50 in the near future.
