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Harrogate College wins £16 million to replace its main campus building

This is when RuPaul’s Drag Race UK tour is coming to Harrogate

The college is one of five education institutions in Yorkshire that will be given a cash injection from the Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF).

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The Government says the investment will ensure that colleges are "great places to learn and students have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities".

At Harrogate College £16m of funding will enable a major capital project, to create a new fit-for-purpose campus on the existing Hornbeam Park site, to proceed.

That money will be combined with an existing, £4m budget to pay for the demolition of the old college building and its replacement with a purpose-built space for technical and vocational education.

This will support priority growth sectors for Harrogate and North Yorkshire such as advanced manufacturing, low carbon construction, retrofit, sustainable energy and bioeconomy, health science and hospitality.

The new energy-efficient building will include the construction of a new workshop unit that will provide large scale facilities aligned to industry needs.

This will complement the college’s existing tech centre which is home to its motor vehicle, electrical, joinery and welding workshops.

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, welcomed the funding and said it would go a long way in improving the college’s facilities.

“Being able to work towards having a net zero carbon building, alongside a learning environment that will help our students progress on to university or the workplace is central to our strategic priorities, and this funding will be central in supporting us to achieve this," said Mr Wild.

“The development will also help us deliver a wide range of T Level qualifications, which will not only close the skills gaps, but will reinforce the government’s nationwide plan to strengthen technical education and give it the credibility it deserves.

“This upgrade will strengthen the work we are doing with businesses in the district to deliver an employer-led curriculum, alongside supporting the council’s aims to prioritise and support 'good growth' in the district, and achieve a sustainable economy.”

As part of the project, there are also plans to install green electric based heating systems, as well as a soft landscaped social hub, which will improve biodiversity on site.

For more information about Harrogate College, visit harrogate-college.ac.uk.

Why is Harrogate homeless charity facing its biggest ever challenge

What is Further Education? | FE Explained

In the UK, we leave secondary school at the age of 16 but are required to stay in education up to at least 18. Then, if you get the grades needed and if you have the desire to, you can continue your development by moving out of your childhood home and heading off to university. Not everyone's journey is the same however, which is where further education comes in.

What is further education (FE)?   

Many people struggle to understand the difference between ‘further’ and ‘higher’ education. This is a fair mistake to make, with the two not being overly dissimilar.  

Further education is any study or training done after secondary school that isn't considered higher education. It covers a wide range of options aimed at providing practical skills and knowledge, often to prepare people for specific careers or to improve their existing skills. Examples include vocational courses, apprenticeships, and diplomas. 

It also includes adult education programmes and free online courses , many of which are funded by the Government, making them accessible to everyone. 

What is higher education?  

Higher education will typically follow on from FE, offering more specialised courses to provide a more complex understanding of what is needed to succeed in a specific career.  

Usually offered at university, there are some instances where you can find it in a distance or hybrid learning format.  

Typically, it's not funded, meaning the student will either have to pay the tuition fees, or take out a student loan.  Two types of loans will be needed: a maintenance loan, and a tuition loan.  

Higher education institutions will generally provide courses at levels 4 to 8, including higher national certificates, higher national diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates. 

Is university higher or further education?  

University is considered higher education. It involves studying for academic degrees, such as bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, typically at levels 4 to 8 in the educational system.  

Types of further education  

There is a huge list that is considered FE, including: 

A-Levels   Advanced level qualifications typically studied over two years, often leading to university admission. 

Vocational Qualifications   Practical courses designed to provide skills for specific careers, such as: 

• BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications)  
• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)  
• T Levels : Technical qualifications introduced in England, equivalent to three A-Levels. 

Apprenticeships   Work-based training programmes that combine practical on-the-job experience with study, leading to a qualification. 

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)   Short online courses that give you insights into specific topics, often providing you with a certificate. 

Access to Higher Education Diplomas   Designed for adults returning to education, these courses prepare students for university-level study. 

Functional Skills   Qualifications in basic English , Maths , and ICT, aimed at improving essential skills for work and life. 

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)   Courses for non-native English speakers to improve their language skills. 

Online and Distance Learning   Flexible learning options, including Government-funded free online courses , that can be completed remotely. 

Benefits of further education  

Aside from those who must remain in school until age 18 as their only option, further learning plays a significant role in adult development by aiding career progression, career change, and personal growth. 

According to the UK government, 1,627,320 adults (aged 19+) have participated in funded further education and skills participation for the 2023/24 academic year, which includes Apprenticeships, Community Learning, and Education and Training. That doesn’t take into consideration any self-funded courses that learners may be completing to enhance their skills.  

The reason that so many people have participated in these courses is due to the number of benefits and positives that it can have on them in their personal life and in their career. 

Benefits include: 

• The ability to upskill in a specific skill or role, allowing for increased employability 
• Increased earning potential 
• Increased confidence in your role, or in your personal life 
• Flexibility – Most further education will allow you to learn from wherever you choose 
• Government funding in certain courses allows you to develop your skills with spending a penny 
• Gain access to Higher Education and continue to enhance your career 

Overall, by taking advantage of further education you’ll gain more opportunities and chances to develop in your career and in your personal life, allowing you to earn more while enjoying what you do. 

We offer a huge range of courses on our online qualification hub . Take the next steps in your education today by enrolling on one of our free , short , paid , or apprenticeship online courses. 

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Preparation for adulthood - education and employment

Education, training and employment opportunities for young people with SEND.

It is vital that young people with special educational needs and disabilities have high aspirations in further education and employment and we all encourage and support them to do so.

North Yorkshire is home to a number of further education and training providers and there is a diverse range of provision available. This may be sixth forms (both mainstream and special settings), general further education colleges, our personalised learning colleges, Special post-16 institutions and vocational learning and training providers in the private or voluntary sector.

Post-16 education

Every young person must continue in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday. You should follow a study programme which stretches you, prepares you for adulthood and supports your progression into work or other successful destination. For special educational needs and disabilities students who have an education, health and care plan plan, this could apply up to the age of 25.

Some students benefit from programmes which concentrate on high-quality work experience and other non-qualification activities to help you prepare for employment and adult life.

Please see the list below of Post-16 education providers.

Post-16 education providers in Northern England

Access Creative College - York

Adult Learning and Skills Service - County Wide

Askham Bryan College - Middlesbrough

Askham Bryan College - Shipley

Askham Bryan College - Wakefield

Askham Bryan College – York

Bishop Burton College - Beverley

Bradford College

Camphill College Wakefield

Craven College

Darlington College

East Riding College – Bridlington

Goole College

Harrogate College

Harrogate Skills 4 Living

Hartlepool College

Henshaws College - Harrogate

Keighley College

Kendal College

Lancaster and Morecambe College

Leeds City College

Leeds College of Building

Middlesbrough College

Myerscough College - Penrith

Nelson and Colne College - Skipton

New College Pontefract

Prior Pursglove College - Guisborough

Redcar and Cleveland College

Evolve Ripon

Selby College

Shipley College

Scarborough Sixth Form

Scarborough TEC

Scarborough UTC

Stockton Riverside College

Stockton Sixth Form College

Supporting Choice - Scarborough

The Northern School of Art - Middlesbrough

The Skills Village - Scarborough

Wakefield College

Whitby Sixth Form

York College

Supported internship providers in Northern England

Blueberry Academy - York

Disability Action Yorkshire - Harrogate

Groundwork Yorkshire

Health Education England - Darlington

Scarborough TEC - Northallerton site

Personalised Learning College

Our countywide personalised learning programme offers an extensive range of different learning and training opportunities, focused on the aspirations and needs of a young person.

It caters for learners aged 16-25 with an education, health and care plan, up to five days a week, term time. The person centred approach is designed to put each young person at the heart of the process when devising their personalised learning pathway.

Take a look at the virtual personalised learning pathway tours:

For more information and to speak to the team, contact us .

Employment and Training

Table of personalised learning colleges.

Looking for work

You can find information and advice on  our jobs and careers advice page .

There are also useful links and advice on the  looking for work if you're disabled page on the Government's website .

You can find out about jobs in your area, talk to jobs advisers and find out about support schemes for disabled employees via  the job centre website .

When you're looking for work, look for  the disability confident employer campaign  symbol on adverts and application forms. The symbol means the employer is committed to employing disabled people. If a job advert displays the symbol, you'll be guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic conditions for the job.

Disabled student allowance

If you are a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability you may be entitled to a disabled student’s allowance. This is to help you get the most from your course by helping to pay for special equipment and general expenses. 

This is intended to help students attending full-time and part-time higher education courses benefit as fully as possible from their course and is designed to cover special equipment, non-medical helpers and other general expenses. See the  GOV.UK disabled student allowance web page  for more information.

Supported internships and apprenticeships

Supported internships.

Supported internships are structured study programmes which incorporates study and work placements with an employer. They are unpaid and last for a minimum of six months.

They are aimed at equipping young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs with the skills they need for work. They can sometimes lead into paid employment once the internship is finished.

Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant qualifications, if appropriate, as well as English and maths.

If you're interested in accessing a supported internship you can contact us .

See the  Preparing for Adulthood website  for more information and resources on supported internships. The site is a project run by the  National Development Team for Inclusion .

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• study towards a related qualification (usually one day a week)

Apprenticeships take one to four years to complete depending on their level, and are available from level 2 to level 5. They are available within a wide variety of sectors depending on your interests and aspirations.

You can find more information on apprenticeships on our  apprenticeships, graduates and work experience page . Further information can be found on the  GOV.UK apprenticeships web page .

Travel and transport

Travel and transport to college or work.

You can find about the options for help and support with transport on our  transport for special educational needs and disabilities children and young people  page.

This includes post-16 and post-19 information as well as guidance about bus passes, disabled railcards and independent travel training.

Explaining the options for employment and training

More information is available on post-16 support:

• UK Government ' Extra help for children with special educational needs and disabilities ' web page
• Contact, the charity for families with disabled children 'Education beyond 16 ' web page

and in the video below:

Volunteering

Volunteering can provide alternative opportunities for you to gain skills, achieve your goals, and develop a better sense of civic duty and responsibility.

• See  our children and family hubs volunteering page  for more information and opportunities.
• The  North Yorkshire Partnerships website  brings together a range of information for partners across the county, including a link to the North Yorkshire Connect directory.

We have information on finding work, support at work and training options on  our support employment disabled people page . You can also find out about  programmes and grants for volunteers .

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Contact Luminate Education Group

• About Luminate

Find out more

Train with luminate, work for luminate.

The leading voice of education in Yorkshire

Luminate Education Group is a group of education providers in Yorkshire. We deliver education in further and higher education settings. It’s our job to make a positive difference to the lives of our students and apprentices, by delivering quality teaching and training opportunities that will improve their future.

Putting students first, always

We work in partnership with the region, and have strong relationships with local authorities, employers, third sector organisations and regulatory bodies.

By working together with other organisations, we make bigger and better things happen, and create the best possible outcomes for our pupils, students and apprentices.

A pioneering education group

Luminate Education Group is a collective of education providers based in Yorkshire with one clear purpose: to make a positive difference to people’s lives through genuinely transformative education and training.

Our purpose

Our purpose is to collectively transform lives through inspirational education, training and support for all. We’ll achieve this by:

Giving our students the best chance

Working together so every student and apprentice, irrespective of their background, have a learning experience that enables them to progress to a successful future into further study or work

Creating a supportive culture

Taking care of our people and creating a supportive culture that is aspirational, engaging and has wellbeing as a central focus

Overcoming diversity barriers

Challenging and overcoming diversity and inclusion barriers for both students and our people

Providing education to all

Being widely recognised as an ‘Anchor Institution’, working across all phases of the education system, from secondary schools through to further and higher education

Being responsive

Being responsive to the regional skills needs and demand

Welcoming partnerships

Being open to new partnerships with like-minded educational institutions in the Leeds City Region

Working together

Uniting as a community of organisations, working in partnership to help each other grow, while continuing to strengthen individual brands

Investing in our learning environments

Creating a property strategy that meets student demand and employer needs

Pooling our resources

Using shared services to raise standards, by bringing people together to offer specialist advice

Being community driven

Being strongly rooted in the communities that we serve, supporting them to be more prosperous and cohesive

Employing the best talent

Attracting, training and developing the best educators and professional talent in the region

Working together so every student, pupil and apprentice, irrespective of their background, have a learning experience that enables them to progress to a successful future into further study or work

Overcoming diversity

Being widely recognised as an ‘Anchor Institution’, working across all phases of the education system, from primary and secondary schools through to further and higher education

A wholly inclusive and supportive environment

Where every single one of our 30,000 students and apprentices has the opportunity to progress to a successful future.

A unified stability, a stronger voice

Luminate Education Group empowers our member organisations with a unified stability, so we have more of an influence locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Our group takes in learners from 14 – 104 years old

Across the group, we know how to provide the best teaching, training and apprenticeships to learners of all ages. Uniquely, our members span secondary years through to higher education settings.

A collaborative, inclusive and progressive employer

Find out more about working for Luminate Education Group and our wide range of staff benefits.

Our most frequently asked questions

What is luminate education group >.

Luminate Education Group is a group of education providers in the Leeds City Region. It includes secondary schools, sixth form colleges, several further education colleges and a growing higher education provision.

It was renamed from Leeds City College Group in December 2018 to better reflect its growing portfolio of institutions. Its mission is to collectively transform the lives of all students and learners.

What is an education group? >

An education group is a parent company of different education providers. An education group provides its members with the support they need to achieve wider success.

Where is Luminate Education Group based? >

Luminate Education Group and its members currently reside in the Leeds City Region, with locations in Leeds city centre, Harrogate and Keighley.

Luminate Education Group is headquartered at Park Lane Campus, Park Lane, Leeds, LS3 1AA.

How many colleges / universities does Luminate Education Group manage? >

Luminate Education Group currently includes six member organisations (information up to date: 2022). They are Leeds City College, Keighley College, Leeds Conservatoire, Harrogate College, University Centre Leeds, and Leeds Sixth Form College.

What members make up the group? >

The members of Luminate Education Group are Leeds City College, Keighley College, Harrogate College, Leeds Sixth Form College (FE), Leeds Conservatoire, and University Centre Leeds (HE).

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Students celebrate A-level results day across Harrogate district

by Lauren Ryan

Today (August 15) is the long-awaited A-level results day.

Final marks for A-levels, as well as B-Tecs and T-levels, were released to students at 8am today following exams in May and June.

GCSE results will be revealed next week.

But older students across the Harrogate district have been celebrating their results and are now looking ahead to the future.

Students from the Associated Sixth Form of St Aidan’s and St John Fisher

St Aidan’s and St John Fisher

The associated sixth form of the two schools is  celebrating what it described as the "highest set of results achieved for many years".

The percentage of students achieving grades A*-A has increased to over 30% with over 80% of students gaining A*-C grades.

Students taking the applied general courses have once again excelled, with nearly 50% of the cohort achieving a distinction* or distinction grade.

More students than in previous years have secured places on their preferred route of career or further study whether that be university, apprenticeships, or the world of work. Several students have achieved a full set of A*/A grades in all subjects.

Steve Mort, headteacher of St John Fishe r,  said: 

With national speculation that grades would be down on previous years, we are absolutely thrilled that we have achieved our best results yet. The results for this cohort are even better than those of 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2023, and we could not be more pleased for all of our students.

Siân Dover, headteacher of St Aidan’s , said:

We are so proud of all of our students and staff, and they thoroughly deserve this phenomenal set of results. To achieve results that are better than before the pandemic shows how the commitment and care put in for each individual student has really paid off. These young people have worked so hard, and we want to congratulate each and every one of them.

Queen Ethelburga's students

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

Students from both of the Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate independent senior schools received their A Level and BTEC results.

Across the two schools the combined percentage of A*/A grades at A Level today is 78%, with the percentage of BTEC Distinction* and distinction grades reaching 73%.

Students have achieved places at Oxford, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, Durham, King’s College London, University College London and Bath.

Principal Daniel Machin said: 

We are immensely proud of our Year 13 students – for today’s results, for the people they have become in their time with us at QE and for the well-rounded, resilient and ambitious adults they will go on to become. 

Harrogate Ladies College students celebrating

Harrogate Ladies’ College

Overall, 50% of grades at Harrogate Ladies' College were A*-B, and almost 75% were A*-C, with over a third of students going on to study STEM related subjects at university.

Students will now move on to Russell Group universities, plus prestigious specialist schools such as the University of the Highlands and Islands for Marine Sciences, a culinary school in Switzerland, and a programme in Film Making.

Principal Sylvia Brett said:

Our students' exceptional A-Level results this year are a testament not only to their hard work and determination but also to the unwavering dedication and support of our outstanding teachers. 

King James's School results day

King James’s School

The Knaresborough sixth form has 115 students this year.

An increase in students achieving the top grades means 83% have been accepted onto their first choice universities and 5% their insurance choice. 

Clare Martin, headteacher of  King James’s School , said: 

We are delighted for our students, staff and our whole school community. King James’s is a thriving sixth from where students genuinely flourish. It is a joy to see students achieving the recognition they deserve and to know they have secured their next steps at university or with employers. 

Harrogate Grammar School results day

Harrogate Grammar School

Of 326 students, a third of grades were A*-A, up 3 per cent on last year, with 10 different subjects showing a significant increase in the number of A*-A grades. A total of 22 students achieved at least three or more A*s.

A total of 288 students (88 per cent of the year group) applied to university to study a range of courses.  Over 75 per cent of applicants have gained places at their first-choice university and 90 per cent achieved places overall.

All four Ukrainian students secured places at university, eight students achieved places at Oxbridge and five students gained places on medicine courses.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Grammar School said:

We wish our students all the very best in their future studies, employment, or gap year. We hope that life serves them much happiness and that they make a profound difference in their chosen field.

Rossett School students with headteacher (left)

Rossett School

Fifteen per cent of Rossett School ’s A-level grades were A* to A, and 39 per cent A* to B. Students also achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in their BTECs, with 75 per cent graded at Distinction*/Distinction or Merit.  Several students achieved three or more A* or A grades.

Headteacher Tim Milburn said:

Today is the culmination of years of commitment, effort and dedication and it has been lovely to share with our students that moment when the nerves and anticipation turns to joy and celebration as they get the grades they have deserve.

The vast majority of students have achieved the grades they need to pursue their desired next steps either at university, further study elsewhere, or in their chosen professions. We are so proud of all our students today. 

Ripon Grammar School students on A-level results day

Ripon Grammar School

More than 70 per cent of all grades achieved at the school were A* to B and 43 per cent at A* to A, with two students achieving a clean sweep of four A* grades and five further students achieving three A* grades and above.

Overall, Ripon Grammar School saw its 144 students receive a total of 83 A*s.

Students have gained places at the University of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Imperial College London. One student has also won a scholarship at Fleetwood Nautical Campus. 

Ashville College students on results day

Ashville College

Pupils at Harrogate’s Ashville College have all been awarded places at their preferred universities.

This year’s results are the best-ever, not including the mediated results of the covid-affected years. The rise in top A-level grades at Ashville includes 66% at A* to B.

The school's percentage of A*- B grades improved by 6% compared with last year’s figures and the percentage of A*- A grades increased by 7%. 40% of all grades achieved were A* to A.

Rhiannon Wilkinson, head of Ashville, said:

We are absolutely delighted with our sixth form results. Results days are significant occasions for pupils, parents and teachers alike. They are the culmination of a school career and a signpost to the next stage of a young person’s life.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: 

We have high aspirations for every child and young person in North Yorkshire and by achieving these grades and qualifications, local students can look forward to the future, whether that is a university place, further education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all our young people that if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for there are still lots of options available to you.

Any student who is not happy with their results should speak to their school, or college, which will be able to provide them with advice on how to explore future options for example through clearing.

Young people who may be uncertain about what to do next or are anxious about taking the next steps in their education, employment, or training are encouraged to find out more from their school, college or careers adviser.

More advice can be found here .

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