Royal seal of approval for our colleagues

Written by Jim Jack on June 6, 2025. Posted in News

Three of our staff members have attended Royal Garden Parties after being recognised for their exceptional services to education, skills and local communities.

Director: Quality of Education Carol Layall, Head of Public Services at Leeds City College Tom Griffiths, and Progress and Attendance Mentor at Keighley College, Fiona Thompson BEM, were all invited to Buckingham Palace in May.

Carol and Tom attended an education and skills focused King’s Garden Party on 14 May, while Fiona attended a separate King’s Garden Party the following week. All three had been nominated for the honour due to their exceptional contributions to the communities they serve.

During their visits they each enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, afternoon tea and a chance to mingle with members of the Royal Family – while also having a chance to meet and network with other celebrated individuals from across the country.

A privilege and an honour

Carol Layall, Director: Quality of Education

Carol was nominated for her leadership across the quality of education function, and a track record of providing exceptional support for students for more than 20 years.

She said: “It was a privilege to receive an invitation to such a special event. The garden party was amazing and it was lovely to see so many people getting recognition for their commitment to education and skills.”

Meeting other inspirational individuals

Keighley College’s Fiona Thompson BEM, with guest

Fiona is Chair of the Keighley Big Local, a National Lottery funded programme to improve the quality of life of local residents. She was recently awarded a British Empire Medal for establishing Cafe Eden, a monthly coffee morning and support group hosted at Keighley College for parents/carers of autistic children; a cause close to her heart as her son, Eden, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition when he was four.

Fiona was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year’s Honours list in 2024 for services to the community of Keighley. She said: “The greatest honour for me was meeting so many inspiring individuals who dedicate themselves to supporting and transforming lives within their communities.”

‘FE through and through’

Tom Griffiths (right) with other guests

Tom has worked both in and outside the classroom to improve the life chances of vulnerable people within the community. Over the last five years he has established a partnership between Leeds City College and Harehills-based community centre CATCH, which is dedicated to improving opportunities for young people.

Tom has also been involved with the development of a study programme for FE learners with a passion for youth engagement and working within the community; and led on the setting up of an Emergency Food Support scheme for students during the cost of living crisis.

Leeds City College’s Public Service department has also worked with Leeds Learning Alliance to develop the Pathfinders Programme, aimed at developing future public service leaders. 

In 2024 , Tom was shortlisted for the Association of Colleges’ Good for Me, Good for FE Award, in the Inspirational Role Model of the Year category, and has been described by colleagues as: “FE through and through…he understands its purpose and that it changes lives.”

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Recognising and supporting our Working Carers

Written by James Beaumont on May 1, 2025. Posted in News

In Leeds alone, it’s estimated that over 74,000 people are unpaid carers for a family member or friend due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or substance misuse. That’s nearly 10% of the city’s population. Yet many people don’t identify as a ‘Working Carer’ – and as a result, may not access the support they are legally entitled to.

This isn’t just a Leeds issue. The picture is similar in towns and cities across the UK, including Harrogate and Keighley. It’s likely that many individuals across the communities we serve are balancing caring responsibilities with careers, education, or training – often without recognition or formal support.

Being a Working Carer can have a profound impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, relationships, and opportunities for career progression. It can lead to stress, burnout, and isolation – especially when regular working patterns or social activities become difficult to maintain.

At Luminate Education Group, we’re committed to building carer-friendly environments that recognise these challenges and offer meaningful support. This includes flexible working arrangements, access to wellbeing resources, and spaces for peer connection and advocacy.

A key initiative is our Working Carers Forum, chaired by Mariam Kauser, EDI Manager at Leeds Conservatoire. The forum provides a platform for Working Carers to connect, share experiences and shape inclusive workplace policies.

Mariam explains:

“My vision is for a culture where no one feels they must choose between being a carer and being a valued professional. This forum exists to connect, support, and drive meaningful change – ensuring lived experience informs policy and carers’ voices are heard, however quietly they speak.”

The recent introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act (2023), which came into effect in 2024, marks an important step forward. Under this new legislation, employees across the UK can take up to one week of unpaid leave each year to care for a dependent – a statutory right that helps Working Carers manage their responsibilities more effectively.

We’re proud to be part of a wider regional effort to raise awareness, promote resources, and advocate for more compassionate workplaces. Whether you’re an employer, a community organisation, or someone with caring responsibilities, we all have a role to play in ensuring carers feel supported, seen, and valued.

For more information about our initiatives or to connect with the Working Carers Forum, please get in touch.

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Our new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed

Written by Jim Jack on June 4, 2025. Posted in News

Our Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Bill Jones. He will formally take up the post on 1 January 2026, following the retirement of current CEO, Colin Booth OBE.

Bill currently holds the position of Deputy CEO at Luminate and Executive Principal of Leeds City College, where he leads transformative initiatives across teaching, stakeholder engagement and institutional performance.

He will be taking on the group CEO role at a significant moment, as we continue to shape the future of further and higher education through strategic partnerships, curriculum innovation, and a steadfast commitment to access and inclusion.

A clear vision for the future

John Toon, Chair of the Board, said: “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process, attracting interest from across the education and public sectors.

“Bill demonstrated a clear vision for the future of our group, with a deep understanding of our values and the challenges and opportunities facing education at both a regional and national level. The Board is confident that he will provide outstanding leadership in the years ahead.”

Bill has worked in the education sector for almost three decades, holding senior positions at Sheffield College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and Burton & South Derbyshire College.

A continued commitment to changing lives

He said: “It is an immense privilege to be appointed as the next Chief Executive. Having worked within the group for over ten years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact our members, staff and students make across our communities every day.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together under Colin Booth’s leadership — and I’m excited to build on that strong foundation. As we look ahead, my focus will be on deepening our commitment to inclusive, high-quality education across both further and higher education, while exploring new ways to innovate, respond to local and national priorities, and strengthen our partnerships across sectors.

“Above all, I am committed to ensuring we continue to deliver against our core purpose: transforming lives through inspirational training and education. From technical and vocational pathways to degree-level study and apprenticeships, our group plays a vital role in shaping futures – and I look forward to leading the next phase of our journey with ambition, care and collaboration.”

The appointment marks a major transition for the group, as Colin Booth OBE prepares to step down after a decade of distinguished service. Under his leadership, we have significantly expanded our reach and influence, championed technical and vocational education, and fostered strong links with employers, civic partners, and communities across Yorkshire.

Further information about the transition and strategic priorities under the new CEO’s leadership will be shared in due course.

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Forward-thinking investment’: Luminate chief executive welcomes £10m boost for Leeds post-16 places

Written by James Beaumont on April 1, 2025. Posted in News

Luminate Education Group chief executive, Colin Booth, has described a £10 million funding boost for Leeds as a “positive development” that could help address the city’s post-16 education capacity challenges – provided it is directed towards the areas of greatest need.

The funding, announced by the Department for Education (DfE), is part of a wider £322 million package, including £302 million in college condition allocations (FECCA) for colleges across England. The investment aims to support urgent repairs and improvements to college estates – such as fixing leaking roofs and deteriorating buildings – while also responding to a nationwide increase in student numbers.

Leeds and Greater Manchester were each awarded an additional £10 million in post-16 capacity funding to help them manage a significant surge in 16 to 19 year olds expected in 2025 – 26. In Leeds, projections show this age group will continue to grow until 2030, reaching close to 30,000 young people.

Colin welcomed the announcement, saying: “Today’s announcement represents forward-thinking investment that could benefit both the local economy and young people right across the city. Over recent years, post-16 capacity constraints in Leeds have resulted in growing numbers of young people being unable to access suitable forms of post-16 education.”

The funding is designed to ensure more students can access education and training opportunities, but Colin warned that investment must be targeted carefully.

He explained that while A level provision in the city is relatively abundant – sometimes leading to competition between sixth forms – there are still major gaps in access, particularly in disadvantaged areas: “In Leeds, there is an oversupply and competition between sixth forms for A level students. But in the most disadvantaged postcodes of Leeds, fewer than half of 16 year olds are able or want to study A levels. We need to prioritise expanding capacity in high-demand courses at Levels 1 and 2, and in technical areas like health and care – where the demand from learners and employers is greatest.”

The FECCA portion of the funding will be distributed to 179 college groups across England, based on factors such as recent learning hours, space requirements by subject, and local construction costs. Colleges will have discretion over how to use the funds to improve the condition and sustainability of their buildings, with an emphasis on meeting net zero targets and energy efficiency.

While the new investment marks a significant step forward, further action is likely to be needed in other regions also facing growing pressure on post-16 places. For Leeds, Colin’s comments underscore the importance of strategic planning that aligns funding with both local need and long-term outcomes.

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Future Culinary Stars Shine in ‘Chef of the Year’ Cook-off at Harrogate College

Written by James Beaumont on May 15, 2025. Posted in News

Harrogate College’s hospitality students played a key supporting role in a high-pressure cook-off that saw four of the town’s most promising chefs compete for the prestigious Chef of the Year title.

Part of the 2025 Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards (HHTA), the event was held in the college’s professional-standard training kitchens and gave Harrogate College’s hospitality students the opportunity to support the event through logistics and food preparation.

They worked closely with the competitors – observing, assisting, and learning from the region’s culinary elite – gaining valuable insight into real world culinary environments.

The finalists were challenged to create two standout dishes – a refined amuse-bouche and an impressive main course – under the watchful eyes of industry judges and with just 90 minutes on the clock.

Adding to the challenge, the chefs had to work from a mystery box of ingredients revealed on the day, using only equipment provided on-site, with the exception of one personal item. To ensure a fair judging process, the competition was carried out blind, with dishes delivered to the judging panel anonymously.

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: “We were absolutely delighted to host this year’s Chef of the Year cook-off. Not only was it a fantastic showcase of local culinary talent, but it also gave our students the chance to see the very best of the industry in action – right here on campus. Supporting the next generation of chefs and helping to raise the profile of hospitality in Harrogate is something we’re very proud to be part of.”

The event, designed to shine a spotlight on the exceptional hospitality talent in the region, forms part of the lead-up to the main awards evening on Monday 2 June, where the overall winner will be announced.

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough and an advocate for the town’s famous hospitality and tourism sector, said: “Events like these provide a brilliant way to celebrate and champion the vital role hospitality plays in our local economy. The culinary skill and creativity on show is truly inspiring, and it’s great to see Harrogate College playing a central role in nurturing future talent.”

Harrogate’s Hospitality and Tourism Awards have been running now for 17 years to celebrate the best of the best that the town has to offer. With hospitality representing a central feature within Harrogate’s economy, these awards capture the imagination of all who work directly or indirectly in hospitality and tourism, as well as many of the general public who use the many bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes and other supporting attractions.

Simon Cotton, Organiser of Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards, said: “The Chef of the Year is one of the most prestigious of the 12 categories in the awards and is a very much sought-after accolade. Several years ago, with the help of Harrogate College, the competition stepped up a significant level, with the introduction of a blind cook-off in the college’s catering kitchens.

“Working with Harrogate College is an absolute pleasure and it is fantastic that their young student chefs work alongside the competitor chefs helping develop their own skills and hopefully inspiring the next generation.”

The cook-off highlighted the creativity, technical skill and passion that exist within Harrogate’s hospitality scene – offering a taste of what’s to come at the Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards in June.

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Colin Booth OBE announces retirement

Written by James Beaumont on April 1, 2025. Posted in News

The Chief Executive of Luminate Education Group, Colin Booth OBE, is retiring after 40 years in the education sector.

Colin will continue in his role as Luminate’s Chief Executive until December and will support the transition of his successor once they’re appointed in the next couple of months.

Throughout his career, Colin has transformed the lives of thousands of students through the creation of consistently high-quality education and training provision.

Luminate Education Group has grown significantly during Colin’s tenure; he has ensured members of the group are financially healthy, high quality and innovative institutions that meet regional and national skills needs.

A particular focus of Colin’s work over recent years has been ensuring that young people in Leeds have access to suitable forms of post-16 education. Alongside an over-abundance of academic post-16 options across the city, Colin has long highlighted capacity concerns around delivering the scale of vocational education that Leeds requires.

He said: “I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together at Luminate as a team of staff and leaders and together with all of our key partners.

“Our collective efforts have not only ensured the continued success of our institutions but have also had a profound impact on the communities we serve.”

John Toon, Luminate Education Group’s Chair of Governors, added: “Personally, it has been my pleasure and a privilege to work closely with Colin over the last eight years.

“He has raised expectations around innovation and excellence and has driven teams to exceed expectations, improving the financial and quality performance of all organisations he has worked for.”

The advert for the new CEO is out now and will close on 5 May. Click here to see the advert.

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