Wakefield College

Providing education and training in Wakefield since 1868.

Located in the heart of Wakefield city centre, Wakefield College has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality education and training. Since 1868, the College has supported learners from across Wakefield and the surrounding areas, helping them develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their chosen careers.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Wakefield College is equipped with modern facilities and high-quality resources designed to support and enhance every student’s learning experience.

Library & Learning Zone

Access our well-stocked library, featuring academic texts, digital resources, quiet study spaces, and computer access to support independent learning and academic success.

I-Innovate Hub

Build your digital skills in our I-Innovate Hub, using cutting-edge technology including VR headsets, high-tech drones, green screens, podcasting equipment, interactive floor projectors, and more.

Student Café & Social Spaces

Relax, recharge, and connect in our Starbucks coffee shop or enjoy freshly prepared meals in our onsite canteen — the perfect spaces to meet friends between lessons.

Gaskells Training Restaurant

Dine in Gaskells, our onsite training restaurant, where students gain real industry experience while serving high-quality dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Performing Arts Theatre

Showcase your talent in our 160-seat Mechanics’ Theatre, complete with rehearsal studios, performance spaces, and backstage workshops for creating professional stage productions.

Creative Industries Centre

Create and collaborate in our Creative Industries Centre, based in the Gissing Building, featuring industry-standard facilities and home to our School of Popular Music.

Lightwaves Sports Facilities

Train in our extensive Lightwaves sports facilities, featuring a fully equipped gym, fitness testing lab, therapy and massage suite, and professional-standard pitches to support your development in sport and exercise.

Your Pathway to Academic and Career Success

Wakefield College offers a wide range of academic and career-focused opportunities, including A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, foundation learning, and adult programmes.

Our Sixth Form provides a focused and supportive environment where students can study a wide range of A Level subjects, developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for university, degree apprenticeships, or future careers. Taught by experienced subject specialists, learners benefit from expert guidance and strong academic support to help them achieve their ambitions.

Learners from across the district also benefit from the College’s University Centre, which has delivered degree-level programmes in partnership with leading awarding bodies and universities for more than 20 years, enabling smooth progression from further to higher education.

Following significant investment in the campus, Wakefield College now features a state-of-the-art Creative Industries Centre, Digital Industries Hub, School of Popular Music, the Mechanics’ Theatre, and the award-winning training restaurant, Gaskells — providing industry-standard environments where students can develop real-world skills.

Connected to the Region

Travelling to Wakefield College is simple, with excellent transport links from Leeds, Pontefract, Barnsley and surrounding areas.

The Free City Bus, operated by Metro, connects key locations across Wakefield city centre, making it easy to travel between campus sites. Students under 19 can also apply for an MCard, offering discounted travel across West Yorkshire.

Travelling to Wakefield College

Courses & Curriculum Areas

Discover the wide range of subjects you can study with us.

A Level/Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form provides a stepping stone between school and university and prepares you for further study or employment.

Alternative Provisions

Where students can continue their education, develop essential skills, and prepare for future opportunities.

Animal Care

A diverse industry and these courses provide the opportunity to work with and care for a range of animals.

Art, Design & Photography

From fine art to fashion and graphic design, UK students are on the world stage.

Business & Management

Take your first steps towards a career in business, from HR to Marketing, with courses taught by dedicated professionals.

Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies

Childcare is forecast to be one of the top five occupations in the UK.

Computing

Are you fascinated by technology and its potential to shape the future?

Digital Industries

Digital industries are now the strongest performing sector of the UK’s economy.

English & Humanities

This subject area includes A Level courses in English Literature, English Language, History, Geography and Law.

Film, Media & Television

Some of the world’s most popular films, TV, animation and documentaries have been made in the UK.

Photo of Foundation Learning

Our Foundation Learning Department enables students with SEND to progress onto positive outcomes.

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

The Health & Social Care industry is the largest growing sector in the world, but there is a shortage of skilled staff within the industry.

Horticulture

Work in partnership with Groundwork at the Thornes Park Nursery.

Hospitality & Catering

Develop skills and techniques within your lessons, then apply them at our on-site award-winning restaurant.

The King’s Trust

A 12 week course for young people who hope to learn and develop skills for employment.

Maths & Science

Develop the skills needed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries such as medicine, astrophysics and technology.

Music

Our School of Popular Music has a strong reputation for developing highly successful musicians and industry professionals.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Showcase your performing arts skills in numerous performances throughout the year.

Public Services

The uniformed public services offer an exciting and hugely varied choice of career opportunities.

Social Sciences

These include Business, Criminology, Psychology and Sociology, which have become increasingly popular over recent years.

Sport

We provide the ideal environment to prepare you for a career in the sports industry.

Travel & Tourism

With more than two million people employed in the Tourism industry in the UK, there are so many opportunities for a rewarding career.