Why Wakefield College?
Providing education and training in Wakefield since 1868
Choosing where to study is a big decision and we’re all different individuals. Our focus is on teaching and learning, giving all students, regardless of their starting point, the best chance in achieving their ambitions. It really is as simple as that.
The College is committed to working in partnership with local schools, employers and learning providers to transform learning, attainment, achievement and progression for everyone in the District and from further afield.
The College is home to over 8,000 students, of all ages and abilities, studying a broad range of courses, from pre-entry level through to higher education and professional qualifications.
Ofsted Inspection
Wakefield College is a good College – but don’t just take our word for it, look at what Ofsted say! Ofsted conducted a full Inspection of Wakefield College in December 2018, looking at every area of our work and they concluded that we are a ‘Good’ College.
The overwhelmingly positive report included praise for many aspects of the College including:
Students thrive in a supportive, welcoming atmosphere.
Students and apprentices feel safe and are safe.
Students benefit from well-resourced learning environments that help them to increase their self-esteem and develop their knowledge and skills well.
Students who have high needs benefit from a broad curriculum that effectively helps them to achieve ambitious goals. Students of all ages who have high needs achieve their qualifications well.
Students and apprentices behave well. They demonstrate high levels of respect and courtesy to each other, staff and visitors to the college.
Students develop a robust understanding of their subjects that is nevertheless flexible enough to accommodate new facts and findings. This stands them in good stead for further study at a higher level and for future employment.
Students are well-prepared for their next steps in education - (A Levels)
Apprenticeship programmes are highly responsive to the specific needs of different employers.
The large majority of apprentices remain in employment at the end of their programmes. Many progress to promoted positions or to more advanced apprenticeships.
Teachers are well qualified, with high levels of expertise in their academic and vocational areas.
Teachers use their extensive and wide-ranging industrial experience well to plan and deliver lessons that motivate students and ensure that they acquire up-to-date skills that equip them well for the world of work.
Governors, leaders and managers successfully promote an inclusive vision throughout the college that focuses on social mobility for all.
Ofsted Inspection
| Overall Effectiveness | Good |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of Leadership and Management | Good |
| Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment | Good |
| Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare | Good |
| Outcomes for Learners | Good |
| Study Programmes | Good |
| Apprenticeships | Good |
| Adult Learning Programmes | Good |
| Provision for High Needs Students | Good |
A Level Results
A Level students from Wakefield College’s Sixth Form demonstrated their hard work and resilience after the class of 2020 achieved another strong set of results. Figures revealed showed students achieved an overall pass rate of 97% - the 17th year running the result has exceeded 95%. The number of high grade passes (A*- B) also increased significantly rising four percent to 28%.
In addition to the A level success, an impressive 12 BTEC Extended Diploma students, achieved three distinction stars – the highest results possible.
This year saw 12 A Level subjects achieve a 100% pass rate, including Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Law, Maths and Physics. English Literature maintained its remarkable record by achieving 100% for the 15th consecutive year.
Amongst this year’s top achievers, Oliver Dixon secured a place at the University of York to study maths after gaining A (Maths), A (Further Maths), A (Computer Science) and C (History). Oliver explained: “I’m happy I’ve got the UCAS points I needed. The College has been really good and supported me throughout my time here.”
Wakefield College celebrates A Level results
13 August, 2020
A Level Results Day 2019 Movie
15 August, 2019
Wakefield College celebrates A Level and BTEC results
15 August, 2019
A Level Results Day 2018 Movie
21 August, 2018
A Level Results Day 2018
16 August, 2018
A Level Results Day 2017 Movie
17 August, 2017
A Level Results Day 2017
17 August, 2017
A Level Results Day 2016 Movie
18 August, 2016
A Level Pass Rates
| 2019 | 96% |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 97% |
| 2017 | 96% |
| 2016 | 97% |
| 2015 | 97% |
| 2014 | 97% |
| 2013 | 95% |
| 2012 | 98% |
| 2011 | 95% |
| 2010 | 95.3% |
Student Satisfaction
What our students say is important to us and we ask them their opinion every year. The annual student survey looks at all aspects of our student’s experience including quality of teaching, resources and support. Findings from the survey are presented to senior college management and help inform strategic planning.
The most recent survey found that:
- 96% of students get on well with and can talk to their tutors
- 96% of students said the teaching on their course was good
- 92% would recommend their course to their friends
- 93% said they were overall happy with their course
Facts & Figures
7,500+
...students taught in 2019/20
Good
...rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2018
97%
...overall A Level pass rate in 2020
12
...A Level subjects achieved 100% pass rate in 2020
84%
...overall satisfaction rating from HE students in 2019
94%
...overall satisfaction rating from FE students
3,120
...vocational qualifications achieved in 2020
153
...years providing education and training in Wakefield
£7m
...cost of the new University Centre hub, opened in 2017
96%
...HE students were in employment 6 months after graduating
350+
...students achieved a Higher Education qualification in 2018
1175+
...apprentices taught in 2020