Wakefield College

The city of Wakefield sits at the heart of West Yorkshire, and at the heart of the Wakefield district is Wakefield College, the district’s largest college.

Wakefield College is the largest college in the District and has an impressive track record, having provided education and training in Wakefield and its surrounding area since 1868. Today, the College has its base in three major areas as well as delivering learning in community settings all over the district.

Our College is committed to working in partnership with local schools, employers and learning providers to transform learning, attainment, achievement and progression across the district. We have good relationships with schools across the Wakefield district and the College has a broad mix of former pupils from across the region.

The College is home to almost 15,000 students, of all ages and abilities, studying a broad range of courses, from pre-entry level through to higher education and professional qualifications.

Wakefield College plays a leading role in regional regeneration, perfectly illustrated by our new state of- the-art learning facility - the skillsXchange - at Glasshoughton, replacing the College’s Whitwood Campus and offering skills for employability locally and regionally. Redevelopment of the Wakefield Campus in the city centre is also underway and will bring a modern, vibrant learning environment to the heart of the city without affecting the College’s delivery.

Ofsted inspected our College in May 2010 and the Inspection report made great reading for our staff and for our students. The report said that Wakefield College is rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ in 22 of the 23 areas in which it was assessed, and praised the College for its “outstanding approach to working with partners, safeguarding, and equality and diversity.”

A level pass rates have been above 95% for the past six years and were also described as “Outstanding’.

Inspectors further complimented the College for its outstanding support for learners to improve their economic and social well-being and for the highly effective action it takes to prepare learners for employment and progression to higher education.

The College’s ICT provision was also assessed with the inspection team looking at both full and part-time provision at foundation, intermediate and advanced level. Overall, the area achieved a grade one, the highest possible, with inspectors describing outcomes for learners as ‘Outstanding’.

The promotion of safeguarding was also rated ‘Outstanding’ as was the promotion of equality and diversity. Ofsted concluded that “all relevant statutory requirements are rigorously applied and closely monitored by appropriate departments.

The Inspection report also said that Wakefield College “is highly socially inclusive and makes all efforts to remove barriers to learning and contributes significantly to local regeneration”. You can read the full report at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

Our College works hard to be at the centre of its local community, delivering what the District needs and students want. See what we have to offer and come and join us. You won’t be disappointed.

Wakefield Campus Open Evening

4.30 - 6.30pm, Thursday, 9 February 2012

AS/A Levels, Access to HE, Animal Care, Childcare, Higher Education, Business & Management, Information Communication Technology, Education, Hospitality & Catering, Health & Social Care, Travel & Tourism, Life Skills, Apprenticeships, Professional Studies and Training for Businesses.

skillsXchange Open Evening

4.30 - 6.30pm, Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Engineering, Construction & Civil Engineering, Information Communication Technology, Motor Vehicle, Hair & Beauty, Childcare, Health & Social Care, Life Skills, Apprenticeships, Higher Education and Training for Businesses.

Thornes Park Campus Open Evening

4.30 - 6.30pm, Thursday, 2 February 2012

AS/A Levels, Higher Education, Art, Design, Media & Communications, Performing Arts, Music, Sport & Public Services, Professional Studies, Business & Management, Life Skills, Apprenticeships, Rugby League Development Centre, Football Development Centre, Athlete Development Programme and Training for Businesses.