The best college in West Yorkshire for student success: Wide range of courses for all ages in Halifax

This Halifax college offers a wide variety of ways to learn, with many different options for qualifications and pathways to suit you, wherever you are in your educational or career journey.

You might expect to be able to study subjects such as hair and beauty, health and social care or construction and more at 16-18 years’ old, but did you know that the college also offers access courses, degree courses, T-Levels and apprenticeships, as well as a range of courses specifically designed for adults looking to return to education or further their careers.

Why study here?

Calderdale College currently has over 4000 students across its training programmes. It has a long history in the town, which has allowed it to build up a network of contacts in industry and now works with over 500 employers, and was named the best college in West Yorkshire for student success, based on the latest National Achievement Rate Tables for 2022/23 . The college is top in West Yorkshire for overall student achievement 

This allows for lots of project-based learning and access to businesses and work experience.

It works with these key sectors of industry: Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing; Construction; Health, Life Science and Education; Creative Industries; Business and Professional Services and Digital.

The main campus is at Francis Street, Halifax, but it also delivers motor vehicle  at its Automotive Centre, in Halifax, and engineering at its Brighouse Engineering Centre.

Educational sport partners include; Halifax Panthers, FC Halifax Town, Bradford Dragons Basketball Club, Calderdale Clubs and Halifax FC Women. Students have the chance to train as part of an academy team alongside their full-time course.

And there’s the flexibility of courses – for example degrees have a maximum of two study days each week and a variety of maintenance loans and bursaries are available to help you with your finances.

Age doesn’t matter

Calderdale College is the largest provider of further education (post-16) in Calderdale, giving everyone the opportunity to acquire the skills to progress.

If you are aged 19 or over, financial help is available to support you throughout your course, helping to fund equipment, travel and childcare costs.

If you missed out on getting qualifications when you were younger, then it is never too late. Access courses can help bridge those gaps.

Access qualifications are designed to give you the UCAS points so you can progress to a degree-level course after only one year of study.

Intensive courses in areas such as Health, Art & Design and Social Sciences are available at the Calderdale College and prepare adult students for study as an undergraduate. Around 90% of applicants successfully gain a place at university upon completion of their diploma.

Support all the way

As well as day-to-day support with studies and learning, Calderdale College offers a wide range of advice and guidance for students.  It has a dedicated team to support with student finance, careers and it offers counselling.

There is the learner support fund for those experiencing financial difficulties, advanced learner loans for students studying a Level 3 or above, student loans to help cover the costs associated with higher education and the Care to Learn scheme– to support with childcare costs during your course.

New this year

Mill Studios is a brand new, state-of-the-art gaming and media centre which will open at Dean Clough this September.

The hub will bring the very latest technologies in film and TV production and gaming to support young people with entering high-paying roles in the Creative Industries.

From esports to games design these hands-on courses could see you turn your gaming passion into a career.

Learn and earn

Gaining skills and qualifications can open doors to more jobs and provide more opportunities for personal development and career progression.

And there are is a wide range of courses for over 19s offered at Calderdale College that are absolutely free including animal care, early years, health and social care, sport, counselling, teaching, understanding autism and more.

Find out more by visiting the website.