Welcome to the CMN…

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, comprising of Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College, has been chosen to lead technical education excellence across Yorkshire and Humber region.

The Group is set to play a vital role in shaping vocational and technical skills in the Yorkshire and Humber after being named the area’s Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hub by the Association of Colleges (AoC).

The prestigious appointment puts the Group at the centre of a major national programme designed to support teachers, lecturers and education leaders as new technical and vocational qualifications are introduced across England.

As one of only nine TVE Hubs nationwide, the Group will help drive improvements in technical education across the region, working closely with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners to ensure learners develop the skills local businesses need now and in the future.

The hubs form a key part of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme (TVPD), funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the AoC. The programme is being designed by the sector for the sector, and it will help educators prepare for the continued expansion of T Levels, the introduction of new V Levels and revised Level 2 qualifications, ensuring students benefit from high-quality pathways that reflect the latest industry standards and workforce requirements.

Andrea Quantrill, Director of Quality and Innovation at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Being selected to lead the Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub is both a privilege and an opportunity to bring together the incredible expertise that exists across Yorkshire and Humber. At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we know that investing in educators is one of the most powerful ways to improve outcomes for learners. We are excited to work alongside providers, employers, awarding organisations and sector specialists to co-design high-quality professional development, develop subject-specific expertise and support the successful delivery of T Levels, V Levels and Level 2 pathways. Through collaboration, learning lead networks and the sharing of effective practice, we look forward to building regional capacity, strengthening technical education and helping ensure every learner benefits from industry-relevant learning that prepares them for future success.”

Through its new role, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group will lead collaboration across the region, sharing expertise and best practice whilst helping to strengthen links between education providers and employers.

The appointment recognises its longstanding commitment to technical and vocational education and its track record of working with employers to equip learners with the skills needed for successful careers.

Alongside being the TVE Hub, earlier this year the Group was also selected as one of only three of the UK’s Digital Insight Hubs – recognising the Group as one of the pioneering institutions for digital transformation in the further education sector. The Group has been selected alongside the two original hubs to continue its great work this year ahead, alongside two newly appointed hubs: Harlow College in the South and Newcastle College Group (NCG) in the North East.

The Digital Insight Hubs form part of an Association of Colleges and Ufi VocTec Trust partnership which aims to improve accessibility to technology and promote digital skills within teaching and learning environments in the FE sector.

The Group has already hosted its first Insight Event which invited a range of Further Education Colleges to Wakefield College campus to discuss digital transformation within the sector.

Sam Wright, Principal and CEO at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of just nine TVPD Hubs from 56 applications nationwide. This is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the expertise, commitment and inclusive approach of colleagues across our Group. We have extensive experience of working with employers, local authorities and regional partners to co-design and deliver programmes that meet skills needs, from Skills Bootcamps and T Levels to wider workforce development initiatives and have also recently been named one of just three Association of Colleges Digital Insights Hubs in the country. We are excited to build on this experience through the TVPD Hub, working with partners across Yorkshire and the Humber to share best practice, support educators and help ensure learners benefit from outstanding technical and vocational education.”

Earlier this year, the Group ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges, also securing fifth place nationally. This highly impressive result follows a strong performance across the Group’s 16–18 provision, with the latest Department for Education National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs) for 2024/2025 confirming the Group as the region’s highest-performing FE college for learners aged under 19.

You can find out more about the Group and its Colleges on its website at: https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/

More than 50 graduates from Selby College’s University Centre gathered at Selby Abbey on Friday 18th September to celebrate the successful completion of their degree-level studies.

Students from a range of subjects, including Art, Engineering, Computing, Childcare, Public Services, Sport and Teaching, donned caps and gowns for the annual graduation ceremony, where they received their awards and marked their achievements alongside fellow graduates.

The ceremony, which takes place at the magnificent Abbey each year, opened with a speech from Principal at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Sam Wright, who said: “Graduation is always a momentous occasion, and it is a privilege to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our graduates. Throughout their studies, we strive to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and experience they need to succeed in their next steps. Seeing them reach this milestone and embark on new journeys is incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to share this special moment with them today alongside their loved ones, course tutors and special guests.”

Sam then passed over to guest speaker, 2026 Winter Olympian and former student, Leon Greenwood, who delivered an inspirational speech to the graduates.

After studying Sport at Wakefield College, which is part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group alongside Selby College, Leon went on to build a professional athletic career which led him to compete in the Milan Winter Olympics for Team GB’s 4-Man Bobsleigh Team.

Leon reflected on how his time at college, his supportive tutors and access to excellent facilities inspired him to aim high and pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. He encouraged graduates to follow their ambitions, urging them to visualise their goals, work hard and persevere, reminding them that “the other side of failure is success“.

MP for Selby, Keir Mather, also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to recognise how much they had already achieved and to place no limits on their future ambitions. He highlighted the lifelong friendships and experiences gained through college and urged students to remain optimistic, ambitious and confident in their ability to shape their own future.

Former Performing Arts Student, Emmi Huffinley, delivered a rendition of Vienna by Billy Joel and Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish, before graduates were invited up to the stage by Stephen Mulligan, Head of Higher Education at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to be awarded with their certificates by the Group’s new Chair of Governors, Dr David Powell. 

Dr David Powell presenting graduates with their certificates

Representatives from the Group’s regional partners were also in attendance including the North Yorkshire Public Health Team, North Yorkshire Council, Chamber of Commerce and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

After gaining their qualifications, students spoke of their next steps and future plans including further study and employment.

Higher National Diploma in Computing student, Thomas Rowe, said about his time at Selby College’s University Centre: “Studying here has been very enjoyable. Games Design was my favourite part of the course, and I’ve developed valuable skills in databasing and teamwork that will help me in my future career. I’m now looking forward to pursuing a career in Games Design, combining my passion for creativity and technology.”

The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group spans three campuses in Castleford, Selby and Wakefield, with courses validated by some of the region’s most well-established universities, including University of Hull and University of Huddersfield.

Students study a range of Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees, Professional Qualifications and Teacher Training Qualifications. These degree-level programmes are delivered through the University Centre and cover a range of subjects, enabling students to pursue higher education locally in Selby.

Results of the latest National Student Survey revealed that the University Centre placed third in Yorkshire for higher education student satisfaction, with an average positivity score of 91%, surpassing national benchmarks.

You can find out more about the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, here.

Over 90 graduates from the University Centre celebrated completing their degree-level studies at a graduation ceremony held at Wakefield Cathedral on Friday 25th September.

The graduates, who studied subjects including Animal Management, Art & Design, Business, Computing, Construction, Childcare, Creative Media, Leadership and Management, Music, Performing Arts, Sport and Teaching, were presented with their awards in front of fellow students, guests and loved ones as they marked this important academic milestone.

The ceremony, which takes place at the magnificent Wakefield Cathedral each year, opened with a speech from Principal at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Sam Wright, who said: “Graduation is a moment to celebrate not only academic achievement, but also the determination, resilience and commitment that have brought our students to this point. We are incredibly proud of everything our graduates have accomplished and the positive impact they will go on to make in their professions, communities and beyond. As they embark on the next chapter of their journey, we wish them every success and look forward to seeing all they achieve in the years ahead.”

Graduates also heard from former student and 2026 Winter Olympian Leon Greenwood, who shared his remarkable journey from Wakefield College student to Team GB bobsleigh athlete.

Having studied Sport at the College, Leon credited the encouragement of his tutors and the opportunities available to him during his time there with helping him realise his potential. Urging graduates to dream big, Leon encouraged them to visualise their success, work hard and persevere through challenges, reminding them that “on the other side of failure is success”.

Following this, Performing Arts graduates delivered a musical performance of “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the musical Dirty Dancing, and a rendition of “Already Home” from The Wizard of Oz.

Graduates were then invited up to the stage by Stephen Mulligan, Head of Higher Education at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to be presented with their certificates by Leon.

A number of special awards were also presented during the ceremony, with graduate Lucy Dunford recognised for her remarkable resilience after overcoming a life-changing stroke during her studies. Lucy went on to achieve a Distinction in her Leadership & Management Foundation Degree despite a lengthy hospital stay and specialist treatment abroad.

Fellow student Mia Gilpin received an award for the exceptional compassion and unwavering support she demonstrated throughout Lucy’s recovery and now in her day-to-day care, whilst Olivia Ward was celebrated for her dedication to learning, having progressed from Further Education to completing her BA (Hons) Early Years (Top-Up) degree.

Lucy said: “Mia and I missed a significant amount of teaching whilst I was in hospital and undergoing treatment, but with the incredible support of our tutors, we persevered and successfully completed the course together, graduating at the top of our class! We’re excited to continue our studies with a Top-Up Degree at the University Centre, specialising in project management and working towards our Full Honours Degree.”

Mia Gilpin (left) and Lucy Dunford (right) collecting their special awards

Regional partners of the University Centre such as Go Higher West Yorkshire, Wakefield Council, West and North Yorkshire Chamber and West Yorkshire Police were also in attendance, alongside representatives from Empath, Vico Homes, Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust and Richard Kendall Estate Agent.

This comes as the latest National Student Survey revealed that the University Centre placed third in Yorkshire for higher education student satisfaction, with an average positivity score of 91%, surpassing national benchmarks.

Students at the University Centre can study a range of Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees, Professional Qualifications and Teacher Training Qualifications.

You can find out more about the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, here.

Later this month, people from all over the world will head to Shanghai for the 48th WorldSkills Competition.

The prestigious event, which takes place from 22-27 September, is the world’s biggest international skills competition, bringing together young people, industry, education and government leaders from across the globe to advance technical and vocational education and training.

Representing Gower College Swansea will be Steve Williams, Curriculum Leader for Electronics and Engineering Technology, who – alongside his day job – has recently been appointed a Skills Competition Manager for the event. 

Steve has played a very important role in ensuring the College’s excellent reputation for vocational training for over 40 years, steering countless students to skills competition success on both the regional and national stage, and combining his role as a curriculum leader with his dedication as a WorldSkills trainer.

During his career, Steve has been shortlisted for – and has won- many awards for his work including WorldSkills Unsung Hero (TES FE) and Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprenticeships (AAC Apprenticeship Awards.) He was also awarded one of only seven highly competitive Technical Teaching Fellowships for 2025/26 by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

Now, Steve is looking forward to flying the flag for UK skills and for Gower College Swansea when he sets off for China on 14 September.

“I’d like to thank Gower College Swansea for supporting me in taking up the position of Skills Competition Manager for Electronics in Shanghai,” he says. “I’m really proud to have the opportunity to be involved in such a fantastic event. Although I’ve played similar roles in UK competitions this is the first time that I’ll be involved at international level so it will be a great opportunity to liaise with industry to create test projects, lead a skills management team, work alongside experts from around the world and help to shape the next generation of vocational talent.”

Students at Gower College Swansea will be able to access a range of free essential items, thanks to a new partnership between the College and local charity Faith in Families.

Learners can now visit Y Siop at the Tycoch Campus and have access to toiletries, brand new clothing, bags and other useful items supplied by the charity’s Cwtch Mawr Multibank project. 

The goods, supplied through Amazon and other business partners, include new and unused essential items that can be redistributed directly to learners who need them.

Y Siop will be staffed by students from the College’s Independent Living Skills (ILS) department. This opportunity will provide them with valuable hands-on experience, helping them develop skills in customer service, communication, organisation, teamwork and stock management – all of which supports their future progression.

Cwtch Mawr is Wales’ first and only multibank, collecting brand new surplus goods from businesses and distributing them quickly and responsibly through a network of more than 160 trusted partner organisations. This includes everyday essential items such as clothing, bedding, toiletries, baby products and household goods. 

The items are sorted and prepared at Cwtch Mawr before being redistributed through trusted partner organisations, helping essential goods reach children, families and individuals who need them most and keeping good-quality products in active use within local communities.

“We are delighted to work with Faith in Families to bring this valuable support to our learners, which we’re initially trialling at Tycoch, with a view of replicating the offer at our other campuses for the benefit of all our learners.” says Principal Paul Kift. “We know that the cost of everyday essentials can place additional pressure on young people and their families, so it’s important that learners can access practical support when they need it.

“The items are all brand new and Y Siop will be welcoming and discreet. We want our learners to know that there is no stigma attached to accessing this support – it is here for anyone who may benefit from it.”

“The involvement of our ILS learners makes the partnership even more meaningful,” adds James Donaldson, Vice Principal: Learner Experience and Inclusion. “As well as supporting the wider College community, they will gain valuable experience and develop transferable skills that can help them progress towards greater independence, further learning and employment.”

“Cwtch Mawr is built on a simple belief: every item should find a home and every donation should make a difference,” says Jonathan Waite, Multibank Manager at Faith in Families. “By working with trusted partners such as Gower College Swansea, we can turn surplus goods into meaningful support for young people across our communities.

“We are really pleased to begin this partnership at Tycoch and to see ILS learners playing such an important role in its delivery. It will provide them with a valuable opportunity to build confidence and practical skills while making a positive difference to their fellow learners.”

The partnership supports the College’s continued commitment to learner wellbeing, inclusion and removing barriers that may affect learners’ education and College experience.

Further details about the shop and how learners can access the items will be shared through the College’s Student Life team.

Buckinghamshire College Group is delighted to welcome Universal Pixels as its latest Cornerstone Employer for the T Level in Media Production, further strengthening the College’s growing network of employer partners dedicated to developing future talent and creating meaningful industry experiences for students. 

Universal Pixels, an award-winning provider of specialist LED screen and video equipment for theatre productions, music touring, film and TV, and live events, has become a valued employer partner of Buckinghamshire College Group and plays an active role in supporting technical education and student development. 

Learners studying the T Level in Media Production have benefited from industry placement opportunities with the company, gaining valuable workplace experience while developing skills in a business that supports clients across live events, broadcast, film and entertainment. 

Stuart Walton, Head of People & Sustainability at Universal Pixels, said: 

“Having supported Buckinghamshire College Group T Level students through almost 3,000 hours of industry placements over the last 18 months, becoming a Cornerstone Employer is the natural next step. We look forward to bringing further value to the partnership by sitting on the Employer Board, running masterclasses and helping shape course content around what industry actually needs. Grassroots collaboration between education and industry is vital to developing the people and skills of the future, and we’re delighted to contribute to that in our local community.” 

Ian Harper, Executive Director of Business Development at Buckinghamshire College Group, added: 

“Cornerstone Employers play a vital role in helping us bridge the gap between education and industry. Universal Pixels has been generous in its support of the College’s students, giving them unrivalled insight into the services an award-winning business provides internationally to the live music, television, theatre and events sectors. We’re looking forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead and helping prepare students to join this fast-paced and exciting industry.” 

Yose Dutto, Warehouse Manager at Universal Pixels, praised the students who have completed placements with the company: 

“We have been so impressed with the passion of all the students who have come to us for their Industry Placements. Everyone gets involved, is genuinely interested and willing to learn. They are respectful, use their initiative and ask questions when unsure about anything. The students are interested in what we are doing and are always keen to help, even when it’s a bit repetitive. They understand the impact that even the smallest task can have on our overall operations. They even asked to come into work during half term, showing strong commitment to both Universal Pixels and their work placement programme. When we are hiring, we look for people with the right work ethic and, from what we have seen so far, the students have this. Not only are they gaining valuable workplace experience, but they are also a great help to the team.” 

As Buckinghamshire College Group’s network of Cornerstone Employers continues to grow, partnerships with employers such as Universal Pixels are helping to expand the opportunities available to students. By working closely with leading employers across a variety of sectors, the College is ensuring learners gain meaningful industry experience, develop essential workplace skills and build the confidence needed to progress into successful careers. In turn, employer partners benefit from access to emerging talent and the opportunity to help shape the future workforce. 

Buckinghamshire College Group has been awarded the Silver Award in Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware Practice, recognising its commitment to creating safe, inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed. 

Presented by Buckinghamshire Virtual School, the award builds on the College’s Bronze Award achieved last year and recognises the progress made in embedding trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches across all campuses. 

Over the past two years, the College has invested in staff training and introduced a range of initiatives to better support students, including trauma-informed pastoral support plans, restorative practice, peer mentoring, emotional literacy interventions, safe regulation spaces and enhanced transition support for vulnerable learners. 

The award follows an external assessment that recognised the College’s strong leadership, commitment to continuous improvement and the positive impact its approach is having on student wellbeing, engagement and achievement. 

Nicky Ellis MBE, Assistant Principal for Student Engagement and Support, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the Silver Award in Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware Practice. This achievement reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism of colleagues across Buckinghamshire College Group. 

We know that every student’s story is different. By understanding the impact of trauma, attachment and adversity, we can create an environment where students feel safe, valued and able to achieve their potential. This award recognises how far we have come, but we remain committed to continually improving the support we provide for every learner. 

I would also like to thank our colleagues at Buckinghamshire Virtual School for their support and guidance throughout this journey as we continue working towards the Gold Award.” 

The Silver Award is part of Buckinghamshire College Group’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and success. The College will now build on this achievement by continuing to strengthen its trauma-informed practice and work towards Gold Award status.