Parents’ and Carers’ Guide
2024/25
Information, advice & guidance regarding studying at Wakefield College & Castleford College
Welcome...
to Wakefield College and Castleford College
This Parents’ Guide will introduce you to your local College, the courses we offer and the support and enrichment opportunities we are proud to provide, as a highly rated College with an excellent reputation for
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Our culture is one of high expectations, helping to ensure all students are focused on achieving their goals, whether it is to go to the university of their choice to find the career they want, or to progress to other learning options, including Higher Education courses offered here at our University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.
We can offer your child/ward:
✔ Academic Excellence: In 2024, nine A Level subjects achieved a 100% pass rate including Art, Design & Media, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Language and Film Studies, with English Literature continuing its remarkable streak by achieving a 100% pass rate for the 19th year running.
✔ A strong team: Our lecturers and support staff successfully challenge our students to achieve their best, while still offering caring pastoral support. We offer all our students excellent careers advice, guidance and support with UCAS.
✔ First-rate facilities: Following millions of pounds of investment in our state-of-the-art campuses, we boast some of the most up-to-date facilities of any education provider in the area.
In March 2022, Wakefield College and Selby College merged to form the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, which aims to meet the education and skills needs of the Yorkshire region from its campuses in Castleford, Selby and Wakefield.
As a student of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, your child/ ward will benefit from an enhanced student experience, including an expansive course offering and greater progression opportunities. More funding will also be available for equipment and facilities, student support services and the teaching and learning experience.
Additional opportunities for enrichment and developing life skills, such as inter-college sport, master classes, guest speakers and so much more, have also been created following the formation of the Group.
Following an Ofsted inspection in October 2023, the Group was graded ‘Good’ across all four provision types and ‘Strong’ for its contribution to meeting regional and national skills needs.
Student Support
Castleford College and Wakefield College are led by dedicated Local College Directors and we have a dedicated team of student experience staff who ensure that your child/ward seamlessly transitions into College life. Our student support services include a financial support team, pastoral tutor team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience support leaders, activity leaders and wellbeing officers, as well as the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their subject teachers and personal tutor.
If you would like to find out more about our range of Student Support services, please contact our Student Central Team on 01924 789417 / 789554 or email studentcentral@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
What is Student Central?
Student Central is where your child/ward can access a range of support services from our friendly College staff. We’re here to ensure your child/ward adapts well to College life and receives the support they need to make the most of out of their studies.
Pastoral Support
All full-time students have a named point of contact for help and advice. As well as regular group and one-toone personal development sessions, we will monitor their progress and attendance and set targets through action planning. We also help with careers advice, CV writing, job and Higher Education applications, as well as any problems, and personal or social issues.
Student Wellbeing Officers
If your child/ward needs support at College, feels overwhelmed or needs help due to problems in or outside of College, whatever the reason, our Student Wellbeing Officers are here to help. Our team work closely with students and other services both in and outside of College. The team can support via one to one meetings, small groups, drop-ins and through other wellbeing activities.
Counselling
The College offers a confidential counselling service which provides a space for students to discuss their concerns non-judgementally.
Young Adult Carers
If your child/ward is caring for a family member at home, our Carer Lead can work with you to make adjustments to support your child/ward in College to ensure they succeed with us.
Careers Advice
If your child/ward would like guidance on planning their next steps, applying to university, pursuing a particular career, or if they are unsure of what to do when they leave College, our expert staff are available to help.
Our students have access to Pathways One to help ensure that they can make informed career decisions, based on live local labour market insight (LMI). Salary, predicted employment and other detailed Labour Market Information is displayed for every job at a regional and national level.
For more information on Pathways One scan our QR code here
What are the College facilities like?
Our state-of-the-art facilities include the award-winning Gaskell’s Restaurant where Hospitality & Catering students can cook up a storm, state-of-the-art Digital Industries facilities, and the 160-seat Mechanics’ Theatre. Over at Lightwaves, there are extensive facilities for Sports students, including a gym, fitness testing lab, therapy and massage suite and pitches. At Castleford College, we have realistic working environments and workshops for Automotive, Construction, Engineering and an onsite Hair & Beauty salon open to the public. There are also social spaces for your child/ward to relax in, including our coffee shops which proudly serves Starbucks.
What extracurricular activities could my child/ward take part in?
We realise that education is more than just studying, it’s also about making new friends and having new experiences. That’s why we go to great lengths to combine quality learning and success with a wide variety of enrichment activities.
We organise a wide range of days out and trips such as Paintballing, Ice Skating, Alton Towers and London. Your child/ward will also have the opportunity to take part in a number of trips abroad - previous trips have included Italy and Austria.
If you have any questions regarding the information covered in this Parents’ and Guardians’ Guideplease contact our Safeguarding Team on safeguarding@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk. Alternatively, the Wakefield College website has full details of courses, online applications, bursary, transport and enrichment.
Students can join a range of clubs and societies as part of our enrichment offer and these will include debating, arts and crafts, life skills, digital, sustainability and support with activity such as Driving Theory. Students can also get involved in Sport both for enjoyment and competitively with opportunities to play Rugby, Football, Netball, Futsal, Basketball, Dodgeball, Indoor Cricket, Volleyball and Table Tennis.
We also have an Academy of Sporting Excellence which allows individual athletes, football and rugby players to excel in their desired sport, get an education and progress playing professionally, semi-professionally or even abroad. The Wakefield College Rugby League Development Programme is run with Super League side Wakefield Trinity to enhance the opportunities and abilities of promising young players throughout the region.
+ Maths and English
If your child/ward does not achieve a Grade 4 or above in both GCSE Maths and English Language they will continue to study these qualifications as part of their course. This is a mandatory requirement of their study programme and cannot be opted out of. Many university courses and careers require a GCSE pass in both Maths and English and failure to achieve these qualifications may restrict your child/ward’s career options.
+ Student ID Cards
The College operates a student and staff identity card system as part of our commitment to provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment in which to study. Ensuring that all our students and staff are readily identifiable helps us to maintain such an environment. Your child/ward will be issued with their student ID card at enrolment and they are expected to wear it visibly at all times when on College premises and using College facilities. Please support us by encouraging your child/ ward to bring their card with them every day. Students should look after their ID and replacements cards may invoke a charge.
How does College look after students in terms of safeguarding?
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote welfare to students. We work to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow procedures to ensure our students receive effective support, protection and justice. We expect governors, staff, volunteers and partners working on behalf of the organisation to share this commitment.
My child/ward is considering applying for Oxford, Cambridge or other Russell Group universities after College. What support do you provide?
We offer a Mentoring for Excellence programme which is designed for those students who want to achieve the very best - students who tend to be in the top 10% of pupils in any school year. If your child/ward is an outstanding GCSE student with a high proportion of predicted Grade 7 to 9 GCSEs they will be invited to join the Mentoring for Excellence programme.
We have an enviable record of success with our most gifted and able students, securing places at Britain’s top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities across a range of disciplines including Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Computing, Human Sciences, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics and other highly competitive degree courses.
What the programme offers:
+ Additional support to ensure students are aware of the opportunities available to them.
+ Links with some of the UK’s best universities.
+ Summer schools, work experience and mentoring to support your child/ward’s UCAS statement.
+ Encouragement to take an additional subject and study for an EPQ to develop your child/ward’s academic skills.
+ Opportunity to attend enrichment activities, including debates, current affairs, political and economic awareness and intellectual and academic development.
How will College help if my child/ ward needs Additional Learning Support?
We are committed to working with all students to identify and meet their learning needs and goals. Additional Learning Support helps students at all levels and is provided by the Additional Learning Support Team.
This could include:
+ Study Skills
+ Exam Preparation
+ Revision Techniques
+ Assignment Skills
+ Support for Literacy, Numeracy or English as a Second Language (ESOL)
If your child/ward has a learning difficulty or disability their tutor will work on special strategies and techniques that meet their needs, such as time management and organisational skills. We have a specialist team who will be able to support them throughout their time at College. We can also provide specialist equipment if your child/ward has a physical disability, visual or hearing impairment. We will do our best to provide you with all the support, equipment, access and learning resources they might need.
For further help and information, please contact additionalsupportenquiries@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
I’m
worried about the cost of going to College. How do we apply for Financial Support?
For some students aged 16-18 from households with a gross income of less than £32,000 per annum, your child/ ward will be eligible for a Bursary, which means they will be able to travel to College free of charge.
The Bursary also provides assistance with meals, necessary equipment and trips. For more details of the College Bursary, please contact Student Finance on 01924 789283 or email financialsupport@ heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
If you have any questions regarding the information covered in this Parents’ and Carers’ Guide, please contact Student Central on 01924 789417 / 789554 or email studentcentral@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk. Alternatively both College websites have full details of courses, online applications, bursaries, transport and enrichment.
How easy will it be for my child/ ward to travel to College?
Leeds, Pontefract and Barnsley have great transport links to Wakefield and Castleford with a choice of train or bus. See the available routes on our map below.
Under 19s MCard
If you’re under 19, you can get an MCard for discounted travel in West Yorkshire. Find out more at: www.m-card. co.uk/about-mcard
Free City Bus
Metro also run a free city bus service that links all the key locations in Wakefield’s city centre.
The Journey Planner on Metro’s website is one of the easiest ways to work out your journey to the College or anywhere in Yorkshire by bus or train.
Westgate Train Station
Kirkgate Train Station
Wakefield Bus Station
Train Route Bus Route Train Connection
Levels and Apprenticeships?
A Levels
A Levels are the traditional academic route to university and are largely exam-based. Some combine coursework and practical assessments. The majority of students studying an A Level programme at Wakefield College will focus on three or four subjects over two years, which reflect the university, degree and career they want to progress on to.
We also offer some BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate courses which can be taken alongside A Level options. These have the same delivery mode and UCAS points as A Levels, but are more coursework based.
Vocational courses
If your child/ward already has their mind firmly fixed on a particular industry or career path, such as Childcare, Hairdressing or Engineering, then a vocational programme, including BTEC qualifications, may be right for them. We have a range of programmes on offer, including Hospitality & Catering, Business, Construction, Health & Social Care and ICT & Computing, and have strong links with industry to help them progress into their chosen career.
There are many subject areas to choose from but it’s worth bearing in mind that your child/ward can only study one Vocational qualification at a time. We offer Vocational courses ranging from Entry Level to Levels 1 and 2, right up to Level 3 (the equivalent of studying A Levels).
T Levels
T Levels are two-year qualifications which aim to give students a head-start towards their chosen career path. As high-quality technical alternatives to A Levels, T Levels combine classroom theory, practical learning and a work placement. Students will spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% on a 45-day Industry Placement with an employer, providing them with the chance to build skills and knowledge highly sought after by employers, whilst gaining a qualification.
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed for current and future employees aged 16 or above. They allow the individual to develop their skills and understanding in a real working environment whilst earning, which benefits both them and their employer. An Apprenticeship is a framework of qualifications which includes an NVQ/Diploma (at a level relevant to the job role), Functional Skills at Level 1 or 2 (if applicable) and a technical certificate/knowledge. Apprenticeships are offered at three levelsIntermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3) and Higher (Level 4 and above). What is the difference between A Levels, Vocational courses, T
Apprenticeships
If your child/ward feels they have made the wrong course choice, they can discuss this with their tutors or a Careers Advisor and will have the option to transfer to another subject area if it is early in the course.
Please visit our website heartofyorkshire.ac.uk or see our 2025/2026 School Leaver Prospectus for individual course entry requirements and further information about applying.
Your Child’s or Ward’s Journey to College
Start
Explore a Range of Courses
Check out our website or read our prospectus to explore our wide range of courses. We offer A Levels, T Levels, Vocational, Apprenticeships, Higher Education, Adult and Online Learning courses, meaning there is bound to be a programme for your child/ward.
Interview
Your child/ward will be expected to attend an interview where they will need to bring details of their expected grades and the courses they have chosen.
School Visits and Careers Advice
Our School Liaison Team will deliver a presentation on the benefits of studying at your local College, as well as how your child/ward can choose the course that is right for them. Our Careers Team are available to talk to you in more depth about your child/ward’s course choice and how we can progress their application to secure their place. Our Careers Team can be contacted at careers@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Submit your Application
Your child/ward can simply apply by using the Wakefield College website: www.wakefield.ac.uk
They can choose what course they are interested in including A Levels, T Levels, Vocational Courses and Apprenticeships, and apply in one streamlined process.
Open Events
Attend one of our Open Events to find out more about studying at Castleford College or Wakefield College, such as bursary funding, transport, enrichment and more. Hear from course leaders about the courses which your child/ ward is interested in, including the different modules of the course, entry requirements, assessments, progression routes and potential careers available.
Accepting their Offer
Your child/ward will need to accept their course offer following their interview before starting their course in September.
Enrol at College
Your child/ward will need toaccept their course offer following interview and attend their designated enrolment appointment before they can begin their course in September.
New Student Day
Your child/ward will be able to find out more about their course, as well as meeting their tutors and classmates, at our New Student Day.
Results Day
When your child/ward goes to their school to pick up their results, we attend a number of schools in the area to offer advice and guidance and answer any questions they/you may have. Alternatively, they can get in touch with our careers advisors within our Careers Team to discuss their course choices.
