Diana Bird, currently the Principal and CEO at Shipley College, is to succeed Bill Jones in the role. The move follows an earlier announcement that Jones will take over as CEO of the college’s parent organisation, Luminate Education Group, from January – following the retirement of current chief, Colin Booth, at the end of this year.
Bird, who was born and raised in Leeds and has more than 20 years’ experience in further education, is relishing taking up her next challenge – and has a strong vision for the role.
She said: “I’m driven by creating environments where students and colleagues can genuinely thrive. Leeds City College’s values of kindness, aspiration, collaboration, respect, inspiration and celebration of individuality really resonate with me – they are things I try to live through my own leadership.
“I’m very much looking forward to meeting new colleagues from across Luminate Education Group, and to reconnecting with those I have worked with in previous roles.
“The group is entering a period of change within its leadership team. My focus will be to provide steady, values-led leadership through this change, building on the excellent work already underway across the group.”
Bird’s educational career started as an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutor, when she taught for two hours a week at her local FE college. That quickly transformed into a full-time role in community based adult education.
She went on to hold a variety of roles – including Lead for Initial Teacher Education, Director of Education and Head of Department for English, maths and ESOL – which included spells in higher education and the voluntary and community sector.
Her heart, however, ‘definitely belongs to FE’ and she says she is excited to be joining Leeds City College (and Luminate) at a time when ‘the sector is finally being recognised by the government as central to economic growth and opportunity’.
She said: “The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and qualification reforms addressed in the Curriculum and Assessment Review present real opportunities, and as one of the largest education groups in the country, Luminate has a responsibility to help shape the national response.
“My focus will be to ensure the college supports the group to play a strong, confident role in these conversations.
“I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to be an ambassador for the college and to nurture really strong partnerships that expand opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities.
“One of the things that most attracted me to this role is that I will have responsibility for teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) at executive level. I believe that every student deserves the very best experience we can give them and outstanding TLA is at the heart of that.”
Jones, who has been the college’s executive principal and group deputy CEO since 2015, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Diana, who demonstrated a clear vision for the future of the college during our rigorous interview process, to the Luminate family.
“As a passionate advocate for FE with a wealth of experience, we are certain she will help guide the college as it rises to the challenges – and opportunities – that lie ahead.
“We are confident she has all the attributes needed, working in collaboration with our campus principals and industry partners, to align our vision and culture with Leeds and the region’s ambitious growth plans to ensure we are producing students equipped with the skills our employers need.”
Luminate Education Group teaches more than 30,000 students across its three FE colleges, and also has two sixth form colleges and two higher education institutions.
The group maintained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating following its latest inspection earlier this year.
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.”
This year, Luminate Education Group, which runs a number of colleges and high education institutions across Yorkshire, is proud to relaunch our 100 in 100 campaign. The aim is to secure 100 new apprenticeships in just 100 days. Previously, this initiative has connected dozens of young people with meaningful career opportunities, and given over 100 employers the skilled support they needed to grow.
The impact was clear. Apprentices gained confidence, qualifications, and a future. Employers gained motivated team members who made a difference from day one. And, crucially, it helped address some of the gaps in priority sectors such as health and social care, education, and manufacturing – three of the region’s largest employers.
Across Yorkshire, employers are facing a familiar challenge: finding and developing the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive.
Only 0.3% of people in our region hold a trade apprenticeship qualification – a strikingly low figure given the scale of workforce demand. That’s why apprenticeships are more important than ever: they’re one of the most practical ways for businesses to grow their own skilled talent, while giving local people access to sustainable, rewarding careers.
As I step into my new role as Group Head of Business Development at Luminate, I’m focused on strengthening apprenticeship opportunities across West and North Yorkshire – making sure they work as well as possible for both learners and employers.
Every week, I hear stories from both employers and apprentices about the positive impact of apprenticeships. Apprentices are taking on new responsibilities, often moving into leadership roles, and regularly progressing onto higher-level qualifications. We’re building a thriving alumni community that demonstrates the long-term value apprenticeships can deliver.
At Keighley College, which celebrates its 200-year anniversary this year, we’ve run successful apprenticeships with local employers since the 1950s. Many of those early apprentices went on to play pivotal roles in their sectors – from manufacturing and skilled trades, which still employ tens of thousands locally, to professional and technical roles that are now among the region’s fastest-growing.
That idea of “see it to be it” really matters. The best way to inspire someone to take up an apprenticeship is to let them hear directly from those who have already benefited. Recently, for example, Roger Page – a former Keighley College apprentice who went on to build a successful career in aviation – returned to share his story with current apprentices. Hearing directly from someone who started where they are now, and who has gone on to achieve so much, shows what’s possible.
By Clare Fitzgerald, Group Head of Business Development at Luminate Education Group
Across our group, learners and staff are making a meaningful impact through social action projects that build skills, confidence, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
At North Street, beginner English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students transformed an unused outdoor space into the Garden of Sanctuary, working with local professionals to create planters, benches, murals, and bird boxes. The project strengthened science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills along with language, and teamwork skills.
Environmental action has also been a major focus. Through Planet Earth Games, around 280 students took part in sustainability projects, helping the group place 5th nationally. Highlights included upcycling waste into wildlife homes at Quarry Hill campus, pollution awareness campaigns by Creative Media students, and a winning recycling initiative by turning crisp packets into blankets for the homeless.
Creative Arts students contributed to community safety by producing the Ask for Angela training video in partnership with Women Friendly Leeds – now being shared with more than 600 venues across the city. At Leeds Sixth Form College, learners supported Friends of the Earth campaigns, raised funds for the Junior Sports Hub, and petitioned for improved prayer spaces, strengthening leadership and advocacy skills.
Social responsibility was also championed at Printworks campus, where students upcycled tents from Leeds Festival with TOM-O, who transforms pre-loved materials into unique, handmade fashion for all sizes and genders. Students also delivered Kindness Week, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, supporting food banks, and creating kindness walls across campus.
And through our Shape Up 4 Surgery project – delivered with the NHS – Nutrition students designed digital recipe cards to help patients prepare for surgery, contributing to better wellbeing across Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
Together, these projects highlight how our learners are not only developing their own potential, but also making a positive and lasting difference in the communities we serve.
As businesses across Yorkshire grapple with widening skills gaps and the need to build future-ready workforces, apprenticeships are once again taking centre stage. At the heart of this is Kelly Marie McAllister, recently appointed Group Director of Apprenticeships at Luminate Education Group – one of the largest college groups in the UK.
With 16 years of experience in further education and apprenticeships, Kelly joined Luminate with a clear ambition: to drive growth, enhance quality, and ensure apprenticeship delivery meets the needs of both learners and industry – locally, regionally and nationally.
“I was ready to take the knowledge and expertise I had developed over my career and put it into practice on a larger scale,” says Kelly. “Luminate is the fourth largest college group in the country, and the opportunity to help shape its apprenticeship strategy genuinely excited me.”
A Vision Built on Experience
Kelly’s experience in the sector has been a powerful influence on her leadership style. Her ethos centres on being a “positive disruptor” – using her platform not only to shape apprenticeship strategy but also to widen participation, drive innovation, and advocate for long-lasting change.
“My experience has given me the confidence to use my voice. I’m passionate about providing life-changing opportunities for those entering apprenticeships – and also for those working within the sector,” she explains.
Now in post, she has quickly established a clear set of priorities: growth, quality, culture and reputation. One of her first actions has been to strengthen Luminate’s team of apprenticeship specialists across both employer engagement and teaching and assessment. But just as crucial is the work she’s leading externally.
“We’re developing new and exciting networks regionally and nationally for both employers and apprenticeship specialists. Collaboration is key if we’re serious about tackling shared challenges around skills.”
Addressing the Region’s Skills Needs
Luminate’s apprenticeship provision has a broad footprint, including Leeds City College, Harrogate College and Keighley College – each with its own local identity and employer needs. Kelly is acutely aware of how critical it is to align apprenticeship delivery with those local priorities.
“We’re seeing acute shortages in sectors like construction, engineering and manufacturing, and health and care,” she says. “These are being exacerbated by a lack of qualified tutors leaving industry for teaching roles in FE. That’s why employer collaboration is so important – so we can share their expertise with the next generation, their future workforce.”
As part of her strategic approach, Kelly is keen to balance national data with real-world employer insight. She values the recent creation of Skills England, which is set to provide national direction, but believes that on-the-ground engagement is just as vital.
“I’m passionate about developing a destination-led curriculum. Skills England and labour market data give us the headlines, but meeting directly with local employers – from microbusinesses to SMEs and large levy payers – gives us the context. You need both to make informed decisions.”
Evolving How Apprenticeships Are Delivered
Internally, Kelly is also rethinking how the Group engages with employers through redesigned Employer Boards. The aim is to deepen partnership working and ensure feedback directly informs curriculum development and delivery. At a time when employer participation is often a limiting factor in the number of apprenticeships taking place, strong collaboration can ensure that the number of apprenticeships on offer more closely meets demand.
“We’ve updated our terms of reference and are really driving forward the idea of collaboration across the group. It’s about co-creation – building pathways that work for businesses as well as learners.”
This evolution is particularly relevant as apprenticeships continue to shift in public perception. Kelly believes strongly in reframing the apprenticeship offer – not as a second-choice alternative to university, but as a high-quality, sought after route that takes learners directly into the workplace, or even to degree level and beyond.
She’s also focused on inclusivity – ensuring that apprenticeship opportunities reach underrepresented communities and learners who might otherwise miss out.
Looking Ahead
Kelly’s long-term vision for apprenticeships at Luminate is ambitious, but it’s rooted in a strong belief in the power of collaboration and civic responsibility.
“We’re not just here to respond to employer needs – we want to lead. Apprenticeships should be transformative for individuals, businesses, and entire communities.”
As Yorkshire and the UK continue to invest in skills and growth, leaders like Kelly are ensuring that apprenticeship delivery is more than reactive – it’s strategic, collaborative and future-facing.
West Yorkshire’s Mayor, Tracy Brabin, has praised new TV show Dreamers for shining a light on Leeds’ – and the region’s – vibrant performing arts scene.
The six part coming-of-age dance drama, which was filmed in and around the city, is being aired now on Channel 4.
The show follows the ups and downs of a group of dancers who are part of the ‘Chapeltown Collective’, with most of the cast coming from Leeds City College or Leeds Conservatoire.
Ms Brabin, who during her acting career starred in hit TV dramas including Eastenders and Coronation Street, said: “I’m thrilled to see these inspirational dance students starring in this new hit series from Leeds-based production company Duck Soup.
“They are the living proof that if you want to make it as a creative you can make it in West Yorkshire.”
For cast members like Mika Rowe-Bailey and Tyler Pickles, their involvement represents an exciting step into television – and their first brush with fame.
Tyler, a 23 year old Acting graduate from Leeds Conservatoire, plays Liam while Mika, who works and studies at Leeds City College, plays Zaki. They are joined on the show by Leeds City College students Princess Neila Mubaiwa, Demarkus Marks, Lewis Aird, Morgan Reynolds, Keldon Copeland and Luke Tyson.
Mika, 25, said: “Dreamers is a powerful representation of Leeds, particularly the vibrant dance scene in the North.
“It shines a light on the importance of community dance spaces, especially in areas like Chapeltown, and emphasises the strength of community and friendship. The show captures the raw energy and talent that thrives here.
“There’s a wealth of talent here, and Dreamers has also provided opportunities for local people to develop their skills in the film and TV industry. We’re often told to relocate to London or Manchester, but Leeds is a thriving hub for dance and the creative arts.”
Like many of the cast, Mika – who has a performance background in Bradford and Leeds – first got involved after spotting an audition poster, and was cast in 2023.
Tyler, meanwhile, from Pudsey, is a skilled actor, dancer and choreographer. He landed his role after being encouraged by friends and staff at the conservatoire to apply, eventually securing the part of Liam, who he sums up as ‘a bit of a rogue’.
Describing Dreamersas ‘This is England meets Fame’, Tyler said: “It’s something that we all definitely enjoyed being a part of.
“We’ve all kind of developed as a family, not a term I use lightly, because this was our first time doing this. So we were all in it together and went through the entire process together.
“We formed it through improvisation so it’s very much ours as much as it is the director’s.”
The Dreamers’ storylines are inspired by the real story of dance in Leeds – and specifically the example of RJC Dance, in Chapeltown.
As such, the show features lots of intricate dance routines based around the contemporary Afrobeat fusion style – arranged, in large part, by former professional dancer and choreographer Dawn Holgate.
Dawn, a Course Leader in HE Creative Arts at University Centre Leeds, said: “I had a wonderful experience working with the cast and crew. Part of my role was to bring together eleven cast members, most of whom were unfamiliar with each other, and create a sense of unity and camaraderie.
“Their on-screen presence needed to feel like a cohesive collective. It was exciting to experiment, workshop ideas, and play around.
“I’m so excited Dreamers is finally on our screens. It was an honour to be involved and to have played such a key role. Hopefully friends and colleagues will enjoy it.”
Ms Brabin, meanwhile, says West Yorkshire Combined Authority is taking steps to help others break into the performing arts. She said: “I want every creative to have the same opportunities that I had, which is why we’re stepping up with tangible support for freelancers and microbusinesses, and investing over £60 million to provide training opportunities to everyone who needs them.”
Leeds City College, Leeds Conservatoire and University Centre Leeds are all members of Luminate Education Group.
