Huddersfield New College: West Yorkshire's Award-Winning Sixth Form

On the edge of the Pennines, where Kirklees meets Calderdale, stands a sixth form college that has served ambitious young people since 1958. Huddersfield New College, winner of the TES Sixth Form College of the Year in 2019, combines the academic heritage of its grammar school origins with a progressive approach to post-16 education. With over 2,200 students and more than 100 enrichment activities, this is a college where academic achievement and personal development carry equal weight. The most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2023 rated behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management as Outstanding, with quality of education rated Good.

Educate, Enrich, Enlighten captures the college's philosophy. These three words appear throughout the campus and guide everything from curriculum design to student support. Principal Marcus Smith-Connor, who has led the college since 2018, describes the mission as helping students "become their best selves" and preparing them as "well-rounded individuals, ready for their next steps."

The college occupies a purpose-built campus at Salendine Nook, a leafy suburb of Huddersfield with excellent transport links to both Kirklees and Calderdale. The buildings reflect decades of investment, from the original 1958 structures opened by Sir Edward Boyle to modern additions housing specialist facilities. State-of-the-art resources in media, film, performing arts, and art and design include two purpose-built theatres, a dedicated dance studio, and a comprehensive art and design centre.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between academic seriousness and supportive community. Students transition from the structured environment of secondary school to something closer to university life, with greater independence but clear expectations. The college values of empathy and respect are embedded in daily interactions, reflected in the Outstanding Ofsted grade for behaviour and attitudes. Inspectors noted that students demonstrate genuine care for one another and take pride in their college community.

Huddersfield New College ranks 1,702nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it in the bottom 40% of sixth form providers in England. Locally, the college ranks 2nd among providers in the Huddersfield area.

At A-level in 2024, 40.8% of grades were A*-B, with 14.1% at A*-A. These figures sit below the England averages of 47.2% for A*-B and 23.6% for A*-A. The college's pass rate of 96.5% demonstrates that the overwhelming majority of students complete their courses successfully. Applied General qualifications show even stronger completion, with a 99.6% pass rate.

Retention rates tell a positive story. The college achieves 5.9% above the England average for A-level retention, suggesting students who enrol remain engaged and committed to completing their courses. This persistence reflects the quality of pastoral support and the college's focus on matching students to appropriate pathways.

The data requires context. Huddersfield New College operates as an open-access provider, welcoming students across the ability range rather than selecting only high achievers. Value-added measures, which track progress from GCSE starting points, provide a fairer picture of educational effectiveness than raw grades alone.

The college delivers education through six faculties: Science and Mathematics, Health and Sport, Arts and Media, Business and Information Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This structure ensures specialist expertise while allowing cross-faculty study.

A-level subjects span the traditional academic range. Sciences include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Mathematics is offered alongside Further Mathematics for the most able. Humanities coverage includes History, Geography, and Religious Studies. Social Sciences encompass Psychology, Sociology, Economics, and Politics. Languages include French, German, and Spanish. Creative subjects extend to Art and Design, English Literature, and Media Studies. The college also offers less common options including Accounting and Law.

Huddersfield New College distinguishes itself as the only college in West Yorkshire offering genuine flexibility between A-level and BTEC study. Four distinct pathways accommodate different learning styles and ambitions.

The A-level Pathway suits students aiming for traditional university courses, with three linear A-levels assessed primarily through examinations. Entry requires six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. The Blended Pathway combines one A-level with applied qualifications, mixing exam and coursework assessment. The Applied Pathway focuses on coursework-assessed qualifications, while the Full-time Applied Pathway allows intensive study of a single Extended Diploma equivalent to three A-levels.

Teaching quality was rated Good by Ofsted, with inspectors noting that teachers have high expectations and lessons are well-planned. The college invests in staff development and maintains strong subject expertise across faculties.

In the 2023/24 cohort of 1,332 leavers, 47% progressed to university, with 8% securing places at Russell Group institutions. Apprenticeships attracted 9% of leavers, while 26% moved directly into employment. A further 2% continued in further education.

One student secured a place at Cambridge in the measurement period, from five applications. While Oxbridge numbers are modest, they demonstrate that exceptional students can reach the highest destinations from this college.

The college works closely with the University of Huddersfield, located nearby, providing students with opportunities to experience higher education before applying. Partnership activities include enrichment workshops and campus visits.

Careers guidance carries significant weight. The college holds the Quality in Careers Standard, demonstrating systematic support for students navigating post-18 options. Progress Tutors help students identify appropriate destinations, whether university, apprenticeship, or employment, ensuring choices align with individual strengths and aspirations.

Huddersfield New College welcomes applications from students across Kirklees and Calderdale. There are no catchment boundaries or selective entrance tests. Entry depends on GCSE grades and pathway suitability.

For the A-level Pathway, students need six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. The Blended Pathway requires five GCSEs at grade 4, with English and Maths at grade 4. Applied pathways require five GCSEs at grade 4, with either English or Maths meeting that threshold.

Beyond grades, the college considers school reports, attendance records (95% minimum expected), and commitment to full-time campus-based study. Individual courses may have additional requirements; sciences and maths typically expect grade 6 in the relevant GCSE.

For September 2026 entry, applications closed in December 2025. Late applications may be considered with evidenced mitigating circumstances. Applicants receive decisions at admissions evenings, where most receive conditional offers subject to GCSE results. The acceptance deadline is Friday 24 April 2026. Students upload GCSE results by 4:30pm on Thursday 20 August 2026 to confirm their place.

Hudd Fest, the welcome event for new students, takes place on Friday 10 July 2026, providing opportunities to meet future classmates and teachers before term begins.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools has awarded the college Silver standard, recognising systematic approaches to student wellbeing. This is not a token gesture; mental health support is embedded throughout the college experience.

Student Wellbeing operates as a confidential, person-centred service. Students can book 30-minute one-to-one appointments to discuss any concern, attend drop-in sessions for quick questions, or access self-help resources through the Student Wellbeing Moodle page. Monthly webinars led by Student Wellbeing Champions address common challenges, while an LGBTQ+ support group meets weekly in a safe, confidential space.

Every student is assigned a Progress Tutor who becomes their key point of contact. Weekly meetings, either in Aspire group sessions or individual tutorials, monitor academic progress and personal development. Progress Tutors signpost students to specialist support when needed and help navigate decisions about life after college.

The transition from school to college challenges some students. The college runs a dedicated support group for those who find it difficult to settle, offering regular lunches and social activities both on and off campus. This practical approach recognises that academic success depends on social belonging.

With over 100 enrichment opportunities, students can pursue interests far beyond their exam subjects. The college views enrichment as central to education, not an optional extra. Activities build confidence, develop transferable skills, and create the well-rounded individuals universities and employers value.

Long-term commitments include the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Young Enterprise, both requiring sustained effort over months. The HNC Echo, the student magazine, develops writing and editorial skills. Students have participated in mock trials, gaining insight into the legal profession.

Short courses run in blocks throughout the year, allowing students to sample diverse activities. Options have included ceramics, indoor cricket, and creative writing workshops. This flexibility means students can try new things without year-long commitment.

Sport

Sporting academies in football (male and female), basketball, cricket, and rugby provide pathways for talented athletes to develop alongside their studies. Facilities include a sports hall, 3G pitch, and Sports Barn. Weekly recreational sport includes football, netball, and badminton for students at all levels.

Performing Arts

Two purpose-built theatres host student productions and visiting performances. The dance studio supports both curriculum and enrichment activity. Student-led performances provide practical experience of production, technical operation, and performance.

Creative Arts

The art and design centre houses studios for fine art, textiles, and digital media. Specialist equipment supports film production and creative media work, with students creating content from concept to completion.

The college day typically runs from 9:00am, with timetables varying by course combination. The campus provides social and learning spaces where students can work independently between lessons, supported by a well-equipped library, study centre, and IT facilities. Free WiFi covers the entire campus, and all students receive Microsoft 365 access.

Transport links serve students from across the region. Public buses run frequently along New Hey Road, connecting to Huddersfield and surrounding areas. The NC Shuttle Bus provides direct service between the college and Huddersfield town centre. Students under 19 with home addresses over two miles from college can obtain weekly or monthly travel passes at reduced rates.

The student dining area provides on-campus catering. The college expects full-time attendance, with 95% minimum attendance the target for all students.

Open-access admissions shape the cohort. Unlike selective sixth forms and independent schools, the college welcomes students across the ability range. This creates a diverse learning environment but means headline grade statistics will differ from selective providers. Parents should focus on value-added progress rather than raw results when comparing.

A-level outcomes sit below England averages. The 40.8% A*-B rate compares to 47.2% in England overall. Families seeking the highest grade outcomes may wish to explore selective alternatives. However, strong retention and pass rates indicate students complete their studies successfully.

Independence requires adjustment. Students accustomed to the structure of secondary school may find the transition challenging. The college supports this shift, but students must take responsibility for managing their time and seeking help when needed. Those who thrive on close supervision may need time to adapt.

Campus location suits some better than others. Salendine Nook sits on the outskirts of Huddersfield. Students travelling from distant parts of Calderdale face longer journeys. Consider travel time when comparing options.

Huddersfield New College delivers a comprehensive sixth form experience with genuine breadth. The Outstanding grades for behaviour, personal development, and leadership reflect a college that takes student welfare seriously. Academic outcomes, while below England averages, should be viewed in the context of open-access admissions and strong retention.

Best suited to students who will embrace the flexibility and independence of college life. Those seeking pathways combining academic and vocational study will find unique opportunities here. The college particularly serves students who may not have flourished in traditional school settings but can thrive with the right support and fresh start.

Families prioritising the highest A-level grades should consider selective alternatives. But for students seeking a supportive, well-resourced environment with extensive enrichment opportunities, Huddersfield New College offers a proven pathway to university, apprenticeship, and employment.