We are delighted to announce that Luminate Education Group has been appointed as a Centre for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF)
This recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to inclusive education. Hosting one of the largest post-16 cohorts of SEND students in the country, Luminate places inclusive practice at the very heart of teaching and learning across Yorkshire.
A Leading Force in Inclusive Education
Operating across West and North Yorkshire, Luminate Education Group is one of the UK’s largest providers of post-16 education. Each year, we support around 30,000 learners through our family of institutions, which includes Leeds City College, Keighley College, Harrogate College, Leeds Sixth Form College, Pudsey Sixth Form College, University Centre Leeds and Leeds Conservatoire.
As a group, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality skills training that addresses local workforce needs, drives social mobility, and strengthens the regional economy.
What It Means to Be a Centre for Excellence
The ETF’s Centres for Excellence in SEND programme provides free, expert support to leaders, managers, and practitioners across the FE and training sector.
As a newly appointed Centre for Excellence, Luminate will deliver CPD seminars, facilitate Communities of Practice, convene peer reviews, and host employer-led events. Together, these activities will enable us to share best practice, tools, and insights that help improve outcomes for learners with SEND across the country.
Championing Inclusion
Chris Thornton, Director of Inclusive Provision and SEND at Luminate Education Group, said:
“We are honoured to have been recognised as a Centre for Excellence in SEND. This enables us to extend our inclusive practice beyond our campuses, sharing tools, insights and leadership with the wider sector to improve outcomes for learners with SEND across the country.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and are firmly committed to removing barriers, embracing diversity, and ensuring every learner, regardless of background or need, has the opportunity to thrive.”
Get Involved
Our programme of free CPD sessions and events will begin soon. These will be open to educators, leaders, and practitioners across the FE community who want to strengthen inclusive cultures and improve learner experiences.
Centres for Excellence in SEND is one aspect of the support provided to the FE sector as part of the Universal SEND Services programme, which runs until March 2025. It provides sector-led support to leaders, managers and practitioners to create a step change in inclusive teaching and learning, hosting a wide range of activities and events. To access resources and find out more about upcoming activities and other support visit the CfESEND area of the ETF website.
We’re proud to share that we have been awarded the Silver Investors in Diversity Award following our latest review in summer 2025.
This recognition reflects the progress we have made in embedding fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement (FREDIE) across our culture.
The assessment involved staff focus groups and external review. We were measured in four key areas:
Strategy and Communication
Behaviours and Data Gathering
Visibility of Senior Leaders
Recruitment
Our refreshed approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) received praise across all areas. With a new EDI Charter, committee, toolkits and policies, we have strengthened how we live our values and support our communities. Investors in Diversity highlighted:
“Luminate’s interconnected strategies embody the shared values of kindness, inclusion and collaboration to ensure all EDI work contributes directly to transforming lives through education, training and support.”
Feedback from our staff reflected this too. One participant said:
“Visibility of EDI has skyrocketed in the last 12 months.”
We are also delighted that Keighley College, Leeds Conservatoire and University Centre Leeds each received positive recognition for the increased visibility of EDI this past year.
This Silver Award is an important step in our journey. With upcoming initiatives such as our Global Majority Empowerment Programme and Women in Leadership programme, we are determined to continue building a culture where everyone can thrive.
By Clare Fitzgerald, Group Head of Business Development at Luminate Education Group
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.
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.
A time capsule has been buried to mark the opening of Pudsey Sixth Form College.
Pudsey Sixth Form College, a partnership project led by Leeds Sixth Form College in collaboration with local high schools, began welcoming its very first students on Wednesday 10 September.
The opening represents the culmination of a long-term commitment to plug a gap in the local provision of A levels, T Levels and other post-16 courses.
Some of the college’s first students are contributing objects and ideas, including letters to their future selves and thoughts on this year’s biggest songs and movies, for a time capsule that will be buried to capture the moment.
Principal Dr Phil Mark – who also leads Leeds Sixth Form College – said: “It has been a real pleasure to throw our doors open this week and show our first students around these fantastic, purpose-built facilities.
“This sixth form is something the area has needed for years, and will give Pudsey’s talented young people the chance to gain the qualifications they need to progress, in work or education, without having to move away or travel. The key goal is for it to feel like a seamless next step for local school students.
“The fact we have successfully brought this project to fruition is a real testament to partnership work, and I want to thank Crawshaw Academy, Co-op Academy Priesthorpe and Leeds West Academy for their untiring support as we’ve pushed ahead together to realise our shared vision.
“This is an important moment for Pudsey and its community, and we are looking forward to working closely with businesses and community groups as we strive to deliver the very best education and training for our learners.”
The idea is for the time capsule, which will soon be buried in the sixth form’s grounds, to be opened up by students and staff 25 years from now.
Learners from the college’s three feeder schools have been coming up with ideas for what to fill it with.
The contents will range from lighthearted questions, such as ‘I wonder if Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will still be married?’, to more weighty topics like politics and sustainability (the sixth form has been built to exacting environmental standards, and uses heat pumps and solar panels).
Grace Kernick, who has moved up from Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, has already been enjoying putting the brand new chemistry labs through their paces.
She said: “It’s great to have a college that’s so close to home.
“I’ve been supported every step of the way in my transition from school, and even got to visit the sixth form while it was being built – it’s been excellent.
“The building itself is so spacious and very easy to get around.”
Former Leeds West Academy student Millie Sanderson has also experienced a smooth start to college life.
Millie, who is studying sociology, psychology and politics, said: “It’s easier to get here than it is to go into Leeds to other six forms, and it’s been good, the rooms are modern and nice.
“I’ve got really high anxiety levels but I’ve had lots of support here to help me.”
The sixth form – which also offers alternative qualification pathways including BTECs, AAQs, and a five GCSE re-take programme – has been built to have capacity for up to 650 students, and aims to hit that target by its third year.
Last week, as part of its commitment to being a good neighbour, the college invited local residents in to enjoy a tour around its facilities.
An official opening will take place this autumn and will include representatives from the partner schools plus special guests.
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.”
