How to make the most of an Open Event

Open events are a great way to get a feel for college life and discover more about the subjects you’re interested in.

If you have any friends or family that go to the college you’re interested in, you probably know a little bit about it. However, if it’s your first time experiencing it for yourself, you might not know where to start or what you need to be aware of. 

That’s why to help you make the most of an open event at Leeds Sixth Form College, we’ve put together a few handy tips.

Planning ahead

The main things you need to consider before an open event are what you are hoping to gain and what you want to see. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of options available, especially when you’re unsure of what you want to study. Researching A level subjects beforehand will help you prepare for what facilities you need to tour and who you’ll need to speak to. 

You’ll also need to plan your journey. Our sixth form college is located in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the train station with various bus stops located around our campus.

Tour our campus

A good way to know if a subject is right for you is to see where you’ll be studying it – which is where taking a tour of our facilities comes in. 

We have a range of exciting new facilities such as our independent learning zones situated on each floor, specially designed as quiet places to study.

When you’re not studying, our Natural Press coffee shop is a popular lunch spot which offers hot drinks, hot food and delicious confectionaries. The cafe is designed as an eco-conscious environment with plants throughout the space. 

Don’t forget to visit our modern science laboratories, as well as our new pharmaceutical suite that our STEM students use to gain experience and practical skills. 

Meet our tutors 

At every open event, there will be a tutor representing each of our courses. They’re there to chat with you about things like what you’ll learn on your course, what trips you may go on and what career opportunities the course will bring. 

They’re there to guide you on making the right choice for you and are always happy to chat with you about your subject in more detail. 

• What does the course cover?
• What student support is available?
• What have previous students gone on to do for work/university after finishing this course?
• What qualifications will I need for the course I want to apply for?

What to bring

We always advise you to bring along your booking confirmation to the event. You’re also welcome to attend with a friend, parent or guardian if you’d prefer to look around our campus with someone else. You can also bring anything else that helps you feel comfortable, such as a bottle of water. 

To book on to one of our next open events, visit our Event page.

’It’s not the end of the world’ is a phrase we’ve all heard from well-meaning family or friends after a setback.

If you have just failed an important exam, however, the chances are that such words will be of little comfort. Instead, what is needed at such moments is practical help – for someone to tell you ‘you can try again, and here’s how’.

That is where Leeds Sixth Form College’s Step-Up Pathway comes in. The programme is designed specifically to help 16-18 year olds, who did not gain the GCSEs they were hoping for, get what they need to progress.

Step-Up provides a three-year route to sitting A levels, or a hybrid option of A levels plus a vocational qualification, and starts with a first year during which each student aims to gain five GCSEs. For some, like former Leeds Sixth Form College student Jamal Mottley, this option has represented a life-changing second chance.

An alternative route to success

Jamal used the Step-Up Pathway to re-sit his GCSEs before going on to achieve three A levels with Leeds Sixth Form College, and has now started university. Speaking in August after finding out his results, he explained how difficult personal circumstances had led to him failing his GCSEs the first time around.

He said: “I didn’t know you could re-sit them and thought it was a one-time thing.

“But then my mum got out of hospital and helped me look for somewhere to re-sit my GCSEs, and found Leeds Sixth Form College. I don’t know where I’d be without Step-up!”

Ro Elliott, meanwhile, has just started her A level courses at the college after successfully gaining five GCSEs through Step-Up.

She said: “I wasn’t really in full-time education for a lot of secondary school which is why I didn’t get the opportunity to do my GCSEs properly, so the fact the college introduced this course was really beneficial to me.”

Helping to tackle inequality

In a recently published study on education inequalities, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) argued that one of the key shortcomings of the country’s education system was the ‘lack of adequate second chances’.

Step-Up, which is especially helpful for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students, allows them to develop their language skills.

Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, Rachael Booth, said: “We are very proud of our Step-Up Pathway and the route it provides for students who want to study A levels but haven’t, for whatever reason, got the qualifications they need yet.

“Each year we hear from so many talented young people, like Ro and Jamal, about how much having this second opportunity to achieve, and excel, means to them.

“Education, like life, isn’t always a straight line, often due to things we can’t control. This pathway ensures that students can try again for the qualifications they need to progress and shine in whatever they choose to do.”

More information on the Step-Up Pathway can be found here. The IFS study can be viewed here.

We are forging ahead into the new academic year with a ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features Ofsted rating under our belt.

Based in the heart of Leeds and driven by a belief that every student has the ability to excel, Leeds Sixth Form College impressed the inspectors when they visited earlier this year.

Our passionate and expert staff, and the partnership work they do to ensure our educational programmes meet the needs of local employers, were singled out for praise.

Our A level programme, which helps students take the next step in their educational or career journey, is at the heart of what we do.

A tailored approach for each student, full of enrichment opportunities

But our offering is much broader than that, which is why we give every new student a guidance interview before advising them on which of four pathways to follow. This ensures that their courses will help them move on to the job, university degree, or higher apprenticeship they have in mind.

And for 16 to 18 year olds who need extra GCSEs, or higher grades in those they already have, we offer the Step-up Pathway. This one-year programme helps students gain five GCSEs in preparation for taking on A levels.

The college also aims to ensure that students have an exceptional experience during their time with us, which is why we are always working to secure enrichment opportunities.

In June this year, for example, 61 of our politics, law and history students enjoyed a two-day educational trip to London. Their stay included a tour of Hampton Court Palace, a visit to the Supreme Court, meeting a High Court judge and a trip to the Houses of Parliament.

Our Principal, Rachael Booth, said: “We are fully committed to helping every student, whatever their background or field of interest, reach their full potential and excel.

“To help us achieve that we have a dedicated, expert teaching staff and top-class facilities, to give each of our students the very best chance of success.

“We are also always looking at experiences that can enrich students’ studies and bolster their confidence and self-belief.

“Education transforms lives and opens up new opportunities. We are always excited to welcome new students, and to learn how we can best help them take their vital next step. So please get in touch – we look forward to hearing from you!”

State-of-the-art facilities

Our courses are taught in dedicated, well-equipped teaching rooms in the college’s Park Lane campus. Our students also have access to a permanently staffed Independent Learning Zone, where a suite of 60 chrome-books are provided.

Keen to address the country’s healthcare skills gap and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, the college recently opened a brand new science laboratory.

This specialist facility features a private consultation room and a pharmacy practice room which have been designed to support the college’s two new pioneering courses, Pharmacy T Level and Access to Medicine.

STEM is a key focus for us and we had some fantastic success stories in this area recently among our A level students. Poppy Middleton, for example, achieved A grades in chemistry, maths and physics along with a B in further maths this year. She is now going on to study aerospace engineering at the University of Leeds.

Sporting, as well as academic, excellence

Thanks to our partnerships with some of the region’s leading sporting organisations, through Leeds Sports Connect, we also offer outstanding opportunities for student-athletes.

Under this pioneering scheme, students can pursue a high-quality education with the college, studying three A levels, without sacrificing development in their chosen sport.

The courses are built around training schedules so participants can enjoy outstanding coaching, in top-class facilities, while pursuing their studies.

Our partners include Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Leeds United Foundation, The Hunslet Club, Ultimate Football Coaching Academy, and Let’s Do More. Click here to find out more about courses at Leeds Sixth Form College.

A Leeds Sixth Form College student is celebrating being part of a medal-winning gymnastics team.

Aimee Dann travelled to Switzerland to compete in the 2022 Gym for Life Challenge, with Leeds Gymnastics Club, in July.

The club, representing Great Britain (GB), achieved a silver medal to the delight of Aimee, her clubmates and her teachers.

Balancing act leads to success

Aimee, who is just about to start year 13 of her A levels at Leeds Sixth Form College, said: “It was an amazing experience to represent GB at an international competition.

“I would balance out my studies with gymnastics by doing some while I was away, and revising before and after my gymnastic sessions.

“I think overall it paid off and I was so proud of myself, and my team, for getting silver in the competition.”

The value of transferable skills

Sixth form lecturer, Elizabeth Bailey, said: “What a fantastic achievement!

“Aimee is a pleasure to teach. She works hard to meet her academic goals and is keen to do well.

“Her determination and commitment to gymnastics has clearly transferred over to her academic studies in her religious studies A level, and she is starting year 13 on a really positive footing.

“Aimee is confident and articulate and works well with her peers and is able to work both collaboratively and independently, again something she has surely drawn from her experience at Leeds Gymnastics Club.

“Year 13 will see Aimee having to manage the demands of her A level courses with her gymnastics commitments, but she is sure to take this in her stride!”

Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, Rachael Booth, added: “At the college we work with our students not only to achieve the best possible qualifications, but also to enable them to enjoy a wide range of enrichment and leadership opportunities.

“Supporting Aimee to pursue her gymnastic endeavours means that she can develop valuable transferable skills, and I look forward to watching these develop further in her final year of A levels.”

Click here to find out more about courses at Leeds Sixth Form College.

Leeds Sixth Form College and Leeds City College students have been celebrating their GCSE and BTEC results.

This was the first time exams have taken place since 2019, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2021 students received results based on teacher-assessed grades.

Grades, nationally, were as expected, lower on average this year with the government being keen to reverse ‘grade inflation’.

But at Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College (LSFC) many students were happy to have secured the results they needed to move on to A levels, apprenticeships or T Levels.

Travis Daly was delighted with his results after achieving a 7 grade in English language, 5s in maths and English literature, and 4s in business and an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

And he was full of praise for LSFC, where he did his exams through the Step-up Pathway, which helps students aged 16 to 18 gain GCSEs.

‘An amazing college full of camaraderie’

He said: “These results have exceeded what I was hoping for.

“I’ve found it amazing here. I really preferred the camaraderie of the college, it was significantly better than my secondary school where everyone was just in little factions fighting against each other.

“Here, everyone just gets along. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are, everyone’s just together – we’re all friends. I owe the college so much – my teachers were contacting me almost every day to ask me how I was getting on. I’m so happy to know I’m now going to be doing A levels, it’s the best feeling.”

Travis is planning to do A levels in history, law and politics with Leeds Sixth Form College, and then aims to study law at the University of Toronto, in Canada.

A route back into education

Ro Elliott was also celebrating some great results despite having had to sit her five GCSEs, through LSFC’s Step-up programme, while suffering from the flu.

She achieved a grade 7 in biology and chemistry, a 6 in physics and 5s in English and maths. She is now planning to study A levels in biology, chemistry and psychology – with a goal of progressing into medicine.

She said: “My time here has been really enjoyable. I wasn’t really in full time education for a lot of secondary school which is why I didn’t get the opportunity to do my GCSEs properly, so the fact the college introduced this course was really beneficial to me.

“And the fact it was only three days a week as well felt like a really good introductory step to getting back into education.”

A great alternative to school

Libby Watkins is looking forward to studying science-focused A levels at LSFC after getting the GCSE grades she needed in maths, English and science.

Reflecting on her time at Leeds City College’s 14+ Academies, which provides an alternative learning environment to school for young adults, she said: “It’s been really good, I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere which is so friendly.

“The teachers here are good too, they’re nice people – human! Going back to high school wasn’t an option for me and home schooling wasn’t getting me quite as far as I needed to be. So I joined here not realising how good it actually was at first.”

Balancing studying with parenting

Many adult learners have also been celebrating their results. Kertu Babik, whose first language is Estonian, was celebrating getting all 9s and 8s in her five GCSEs (maths, English, combined science and citizenship).

She said: “It was interesting at Leeds Sixth Form College. At first I was a bit worried because it was my first time studying in the English language. It took a few weeks but then it felt good, and the teachers were inspiring and motivating, and made me feel really welcome.

“I’ve got two kids, one aged two and one four, so one of the hardest things was to be on time for classes, and to study after they had gone to sleep!”

Kertu is now heading to the University of Leeds to study an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year course, with a view to progressing into medicine.

Reflecting on this year’s results, Niki McKenna, Interim Headteacher of the 14+ Academies, said: “GCSE results day is always full of all sorts of emotions but the key thing we feel today is pride, because of how our young people have dealt with a really tough year.

“Our learners have probably been most affected by Covid-19 in terms of the amount of teaching they’ve missed, but we’re really proud of the resilience, determination and character they’ve shown to push through that. And we’re really happy with the level of progress that they’ve made.

“We’ve worked really hard to make them happy and confident individuals and spent a lot of time working on holistic skills to help them be resilient, while also focusing on their academic progress.”

More details on the 14+ Academies can be found here.

Leeds Sixth Form College, part of Luminate Education Group, is aiming to bridge the healthcare skills gap with a new state-of-the-art science laboratory.

The college has received funding from the T Levels Capital Fund in a bid to boost pupils’ awareness and interest in the medical sector. 

The specialist facility has a private consultation room and pharmacy practice room, which has been purposely designed for the college’s two new pioneering courses: Pharmacy T Level and Access to Medicine. 

Students are encouraged to get a feel for working in a healthcare environment with areas designed to practice dispensing medications and one-to-one consultations.

Rachael Booth, Principal at Leeds Sixth Form College, said: “We hope our new bespoke science laboratory will inspire the next generation to consider a career in healthcare. We’re committed to putting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the top of our agenda, as it assists in problem-solving and innovative learning which fuels success across a variety of disciplines.

“Recent figures revealed that 84% of the UK healthcare sector were suffering from a lack of skilled workers. This figure, combined with the immense pressure that the industry is facing due to Covid-19, means that we have a responsibility to empower young people to pursue healthcare roles, by showcasing the wide range of incredibly fulfilling and rewarding careers within the sector.”

The innovative Access to Medicine course will launch in the new academic year, which has been designed to help plug a national shortage of doctors. The fast track, one-year programme is aimed at adult learners who want to progress to university to pursue a medical career but lack the required A levels.

T Level Pharmacy Services will be running from September 2023, which fuses academic theory with on-the-job experience. This two-year course is developed in partnership with various local pharmacies to ensure the content matches the industry needs.

The college has recently received a £2k grant from The Ogden Trust to launch an astronomical society.

David Shelton, lecturer at Leeds Sixth Form College, commented: “This enrichment activity allows students to experience stargazing and build skills in using telescopes and cameras for astronomy. The project is directed as students mainly from under-represented groups in STEM, including women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a career in STEM, especially as our world becomes more reliant on STEM careers with productions of vaccines and exploring the universe. We have been able to buy two specialist telescopes and a camera, which we will use to develop skills in observing the night sky. Through this project, we hope to set an example for inclusivity within STEM.”

Danielle Miller is now, with three A levels just completed, looking forward to pursuing a career in marketing.

Back in 2020, however, things looked a lot less clear. Danielle was unsure about what to do after finishing Year 11 at school, so she approached Leeds Sixth Form College for advice.

She credits the ‘outstanding’ guidance she received, along with some exceptional support from her tutors over the following two years, for helping her re-focus.

She said: “I was very unsure of what to do or where to go, but the college was very understanding and the process was simple.

“I think that my experience here has been very flexible. If I wanted to be more independent the opportunity for that was there, but so was the continued support If I wanted to be more involved.

“Undoubtedly, spending much of the first year inside, due to Covid-19, was really hard for all of us. The support I received from my subject teachers and tutors, however, was outstanding. They never hesitated to give me a hand with anything I was studying, along with general advice regarding my career or self-improvement.

“In our second year it was difficult to get back into a college-based routine, but the teachers were very persistent and gave us the motivation to just get on with it.”

Shining a light on alternative paths

Danielle also credits the college staff for helping her realise there were other options to follow, apart from the expected university route, to pursue her chosen career.

She said: “I really struggled with coming to terms with the idea that university was not for me.

“But the career advice from the college helped to change my attitude towards getting an apprenticeship, and consider it as an alternative option.

“The consistent job and opportunity notifications from my tutors also really helped me to get an idea of this alternative; it was a huge support.”

Danielle, who is currently waiting for her results, is aiming to begin her marketing career through a higher apprenticeship.

Some of the most outstanding student athletes from Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College were honoured at the inaugural Leeds Sports Connect (LSC) awards.

The ceremony, held in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Leeds Rhinos Netball

UFCA, Leeds United Foundation, Let’s Do More (LDM) and Hunslet Club, took place at Printworks Kitchen and Bar. 

The event celebrated students who have made significant strides in sports such as football, rugby league, basketball, boxing and netball, recognising their commitment and talent.

Leeds Sports Connect was created to link professional sports clubs and local colleges to promote and showcase student talent, and give student-athletes opportunities to progress their sporting ambitions.

Winners on the night included boxer Abby Briggs, who received the Inspirational Athlete Award for being an exemplary athlete who has demonstrated leadership skills and been a positive influence to her peers and community.

Abby has already won two national boxing titles and two silver medals at European level this year.

Men’s rugby league player Tommy Hill won the Dedication & Commitment Award, while

Leeds United footballer Nabs Rehman, praised for being `a great player’ and team member, was awarded the most improved player accolade.

Girls Rugby League player Beatriz Fertado, meanwhile, received recognition for going the ‘extra mile’.

Community basketball team, Let’s Do More (LDM), won the Team Journey Award.

Loran Lewis, LDM Basketball Director, said:  “It has been a fantastic year for our basketball programme and an honour to win the team journey award.

“This programme has provided opportunities for over 20 students. The boys have performed well in national cup and league competitions and have also performed well in the college league, while the girls participated in the national cup, getting to the semi finals.

“Both teams have achieved a lot this season, especially with basketball being a minority sport. I look forward to seeing more from them as they develop and move into the Academy League.”

Anthony Gallagher, Deputy Head of Sport at Leeds City College and co-founder of LSC, said: “It was tremendous to witness the first Leeds Sports Connect Awards. From where we started many years ago to where we are now, it has been a fantastic journey.

“While it is the end of the journey for me, hopefully it is the beginning for Leeds Sports Connect; to bring all these fantastic sports –  football, rugby league, basketball, boxing, and netball – together early next year.

“I am really proud of where we are, what we have accomplished, and where this programme can go in the future.”

Anthony, who has been at the college 23 years, will be leaving at the end of term. He was presented with gifts for his service over the last two decades.

Bill Jones, Executive Principal of Leeds City College, said: “Anthony has been a huge part of the college for many years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and helping create some extraordinary sporting events and partnerships that have positively impacted the lives of many students.

“It has been a privilege to watch the work he has done, and the projects he has developed, that have benefited the college and the communities we serve in a powerful way. We wish him the very best for the future.”

See the list of overall winners on the night:

Inspirational Athlete Award

Abby Briggs 

Sportsmanship/Fair Play Award

Ethan Newboult

Most Improved Player Award

Nabs Rehman

Dedication & Commitment Award

Tommy Hill

Most Supportive Team Player Award

Kenny Forbes

Going the Extra Mile Award

Beatriz Fertado

Student Athlete Award: Contribution to Studies & Sport

Damola Afolabi (Rugby League)

Individual Athlete Award( Non-academy athlete)

Chloe Johnson

Individual Athlete Award(Academy athlete)

Lydia Biggins

Team Journey Award

Let’s Do More – The Basketball Academy

We are celebrating after achieving a grade ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features by Ofsted, following an inspection last month.

The college was recognised for its passionate and expert staff, and their work with regional stakeholders to implement education programmes that best fit local employment opportunities.

The college’s provisions for both adults and student personal development were awarded ‘Outstanding’.

Luminate Education Group, which the college is a member of alongside Leeds, Keighley and Harrogate colleges, is among the first large educational establishments to have been inspected under Ofsted’s new framework, which puts a greater focus on working with partners and businesses, student and apprentices’ safety and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The report noted that learners on A level programmes have a firm understanding of the expectations and demands of higher-level academic study.

The college has also taken steps to promote a staff culture of accountability and ownership, providing the very best educational experiences for students.

Rachael Booth, Principal of Leeds Sixth Form College, added: “This grade is testament to the hard work of our staff who make our college environment a welcoming and safe haven for our students every single day.

“Our learners’ wellbeing, personal development and safety are our top priorities which are embedded in our culture, cementing our ‘Outstanding’ grade in this area. Our learners feel accepted by their peers and respected by tutors, whilst feeling comfortable to express themselves in environments that offer a safe and nurturing space, and this was recognised by the inspectors.

“We have high standards of positive student behaviour and staff are passionate about their areas of expertise. Our learners also enjoy participating in a wide range of enrichment activities, and many gain additional skills and qualifications.

“Our leaders ensure we are providing education and training that meets both the aspirations of learners and the changing needs of local employers.

“As a result, businesses highly value our curriculum and the training that our students receive.

“Our governors also play a key role in the quality of education provided for our students. They are actively involved in determining the college’s strategic direction, making many of the key decisions in relation to each college and ensuring continuous and sustainable improvement.”

For more information about the college, visit Leeds Sixth Form College