Selby College has hit a milestone birthday.
It is celebrating 40 years of teaching – and to mark the occasion, the college has appointed a new local college director to implement a vision for the future.
The college aims to keep expanding its curriculum to align it with future skills demands for the region.
Selby College was established in 1984 and now boasts a state-of-the-art campus following a £35 million investment.
This includes an automated engineering facility with the latest 4.0 equipment, state-of-the-art construction facilities, a high-tech IT laboratory and industry-standard beauty salons and kitchen.
More recent improvements include the launch of new skills bootcamps in carbon capture and heat recovery, designed to provide learners with the training to operate climate-saving technologies.
Vocational programmes such as performing and production arts (acting) have also been launched for students.
The college provides a well-rounded education for learners of all abilities, and the expansion of its Level 1 programmes allows learners with no formal entry requirements a route to gain skills and knowledge in their chosen area.
Selby College is part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. Sam Wright, principal and chief executive of the group, said: “Ever since Selby College opened its doors, it’s played a pivotal role in educating our local community – with generations of learners carrying out their qualifications with us.
“Over the years, the college has grown and evolved to become a state-of-the-art training facility which is responsive to the needs of employers and local skills demands.
“This has enabled us to create learning opportunities for students of all ages, ensuring that they can successfully progress onto their next steps – whether that be further studies, employment or into a higher role.
“We look forward to continuing to build on this success for 40 more years and beyond, working closely with our school and employer partners and governing bodies.”
The newly appointed local director for Selby College, James Pennington, has worked at the organisation for over 17 years. He said: “My appointment comes at an exciting time, as we embark on the college’s 40th year of delivering high-quality education to our local communities.
“I plan to build strong external relationships, particularly with schools and community groups, to create an environment where our students truly thrive, both academically and personally.
“We’re also committed to transforming learning, raising attainment and achievement and encouraging progression across the district through our work with our local feeder schools and learning providers.”
Selby College hosts a variety of school liaison activities throughout the academic year, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related workshops and taster events,
Through these, school pupils can try a range of subjects and gain insight of what college life is like.
This includes the recent launch of Selby Children’s University, working with schools and families to encourage children aged 5-11 to take part in learning activities outside their regular school hours.
Children can collect stamp codes in their Passport to Learning for attending lunchtime and after school clubs, as well as at Learning Destinations in the local area such as The Painting Pot, Goole Gymnastics Club, Perfect Pitch Stars Performing Arts and more.
Selby College’s Marketing Team are keen to get in touch with the alumni from 1984.
Sam Wright added, “We would love to hear from the College’s first cohort of students who attended in 1984, so that we can invite them in to hear about their experiences and to showcase how the College has evolved. We encourage them to get in touch with the College.”
To get in touch, email [email protected].