Today, Selby College is continuously developing and expanding its curriculum in line with future skills demands and the sustainability agenda to ensure it’s delivering the right skills for the region.
This includes the launch of brand-new Skills Bootcamps in Carbon Capture and Heat Recovery which are designed to provide learners with the training to operate climate-saving technologies, as well as new Vocational programmes such as Performing and Production Arts (Acting).
Providing a well-rounded education for learners of all abilities, the College’s recent expansion of its Level 1 programmes allows learners with no formal entry requirements a route to gain skills and knowledge in their chosen area, whilst teaching them employability skills.
Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, which Selby College is part of, 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.
“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,” added Sam.
To mark the occasion, the College has appointed a brand-new Local College Director to implement its vision for the College.
James Pennington, Local College Director for Selby College, 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.”
James’ has worked at the organisation for over 17 years, leading on the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Schools Partnerships offer.
James Pennington, Local College Director at Selby College
The College hosts a range of School Liaison activities throughout the academic year, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related workshops and taster events where school pupils can try a variety of subjects and get a taste of what college life is like.
This includes the recent launch of Selby Children’s University, which works with schools and families to encourage children aged 5-11 to take part in learning activities outside their normal school hours.
Children are able to 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.
Although it was established in 1984, Selby College now boasts a state-of-the-art campus following a £35 million investment. This includes an automated Engineering facility which boasts the latest industry 4.0 equipment, state-of-the-art construction facilities, a high-tech IT laboratory and industry-standard beauty salons and kitchen.
If you are an alumni from 1984, please get in touch with the College’s Marketing Team at