The event on 16 June brought together our students alongside staff from Leeds City College’s parent organisation, Luminate Education Group, as well as local organisations and civic leaders in a celebration of culture and inclusion.

International Day at North Street

International Day has become a key event for North Street campus, providing students with the opportunity to share their cultures, experiences, and talents with the wider college community. 

The campus is home to our specialist ESOL provision for 16 to 19 year olds and supports young people to develop their English language skills, achieve English and maths qualifications, and progress onto further education or employment.

The newly appointed Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Steven Holroyd, was in attendance at the event as one of his first community engagement visits following his appointment. 

Representatives from organisations and charities including Forward Leeds, The King’s Trust and My Place hosted engagement stalls throughout the day, providing students with information and opportunities to connect with support services and progression pathways available across Leeds.

Leeds City College students led a range of cultural displays and activities, showcasing food, art, music, and performances from around the world.

This included a staff band, ‘Dance to the Beat North Street’ which formed especially for the event.

An African cuisine and French pastry business, O’delices D’Appo, based in Leeds Kirkgate Market, also supported the event providing food donations so the students could take part in a shared food tasting experience, showcasing dishes from around the world.

During the celebrations, North Street campus was presented with Leeds City College’s Climate Cup, recognising the campus as the college’s most sustainable campus and celebrating its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.

Student’s award-winning poem

One of our ESOL students, Zahra, who won the Sanctuary Foundation’s Art and Poetry competition, delivered her award-winning poem at the event.

The competition is delivered in partnership with the British Library with winning submissions put on display.

Zahra was invited to London for the Sanctuary Foundation’s prize-giving ceremony on 15 June hosted at the British Library where her poem was announced as winner of the key stage 5 category and read by stage and screen actor Juliet Stevenson.

A successful fifth International Day

The event received positive feedback from staff and students in attendance. 

One North Street campus student said: “We have a lot of countries represented here. It’s very multicultural. We’ve eaten some nice food with our friends and had a great time together.”

As North Street campus celebrates five years of International Day, planning is already underway for next year’s event.

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More students are leaving school with solid technical knowledge in 2026: think coding, digital content and data literacy. But do you have the behaviours and mindset needed to thrive at work and develop successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers?

The world of work demands a much broader set of skills and experiences that go beyond the curriculum. Leeds City College is embracing ‘STEM7’- our framework that bridges the gap between technical knowledge and the characteristics that help you succeed in industry. 

Nail these behaviours and you’ll be off to a flying start in your chosen career pathway.  

Flexibility

With near-constant developments in technology, from artificial intelligence to virtual reality, nothing stands still for long. Being flexible means you’re open to learning and willing to adapt to changes. It’s about keeping on your toes and not panicking when something unexpected comes your way.

Communication

Being able to communicate well and build positive relationships is really important in career-building. Moreover, not everyone is an expert in STEM, so being able to translate technical language into something your audience can understand, whether that’s a colleague from another department, a client, or the general public is key.

Collaboration

In industry, you’ll be working with people in and outside of your company who have different strengths and skills. Understanding how best to work with others and sharing project work and ideas where appropriate is a valuable skill. If you master this, you’ll go far. 

Intellectual curiosity

Intellectual curiosity is the drive to keep learning and evolving in and beyond your field: think webinars, training courses and keeping up to date with news and advancements in industry. This can make you stand out from the crowd and lead to innovative work. 

Creative thinking 

Creative thinking involves building your own ideas, approaching problems from different angles, challenging assumptions and experimenting with new methods. In STEM careers, creative thinking drives innovation and leads to effective solutions. You’ll impress with a creative and open mind. 

Problem solving

Problems and challenges are a given in the technical world. Being able to identify these and use your knowledge and experience to tackle any issues you might encounter and test possible solutions rather than being put off by setbacks is crucial.

Data-driven decisions

Data-driven decisions involve using numbers, data, evidence and analysis to make decisions. This could mean analysing trends, measuring performance or evaluating results. Being confident with data helps you make more accurate and informed decisions in any STEM role.

Taking opportunities to develop these skills will give you a competitive edge and rounded skills profile in the thriving STEM job market.

To find out more about STEM 7, visit the Leeds City College website: Leeds City College

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Students are helping to create emergency welcome packs for new mothers containing essential items including nappies, clothes and wipes.

The project was created by Sarah Jones, who works for Yorkshire Ambulance Service as a crew member, and was featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and ITV Calendar News on Tuesday 2 June.

Sarah was inspired by her experiences working for Yorkshire Ambulance Service and wanted to support new mothers who have a cryptic pregnancy.

Cryptic pregnancy is a pregnancy that goes unrecognised by the person carrying the baby until the later stages of pregnancy or, in some cases, until labour begins. It is estimated that over 300 women in the UK experience a cryptic pregnancy every year.

Sasha Moyo, Level 3 Health and Social Care student, said: “I think it’s really good that people who might be having a baby unexpectedly have people showing that they care. It’s something that would be good practice for me wanting to be a nurse practitioner in the future.

“I think part of being a practitioner is knowing that not everything will go as planned, but everything should be a learning curve and seeing how Sarah has used her experience as an ambulance worker to come up with this idea is really inspiring”

Ashley Masendeke, another Level 3 Health and Social Care student, added: “This was a great opportunity for me to help children and newborns and relates to the career I want to pursue as a social worker.”

Leeds City College will be taking over the project where our students will continue to contribute to creating the support packs while gaining valuable work experience alongside their studies. 

Sheila Lucciarini, Assistant Principal at Quarry Hill campus, said: “Students and staff have been fundraising to provide the welcome packs to Yorkshire hospitals, an idea that came from Sarah after experiencing unexpected births in her job.

“This can be traumatic for the new parents, and of course they will not have the basics for their new baby. This project aims to support both new parents and the hospitals when this happens.”

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Radio ESOL is now being listened to in over 100 countries worldwide.

Jennie Cole, ESOL teacher at Leeds City College, first created Radio ESOL as a space for students to share their lockdown experiences.

She said: “Once we returned to college, I thought that would be the end of Radio ESOL, but students asked for it to continue. I then set up a Spotify account more formally and started building episodes around relevant topics for our learners.”

A range of topics are discussed on the podcast with recent episodes covering CV writing, the cost of living and juggling family life with study. 

Since launching, Radio ESOL has reached listeners across the globe including India, Romania, Ecuador and the USA.  

The podcast is recorded in a classroom at our Enfield Centre with new episodes released every Wednesday during term time. 

Scripts are written by ESOL staff who are best placed to adapt the language to suit learners at different levels and discuss topics relevant to students’ everyday lives.

Staff bring the scripts to life by producing each episode and recording with the help and contributions of students. 

Students use the podcast both in and outside the classroom to support with their language learning.

As a result of the podcast, learners have improved their speaking and listening skills as well as grown in confidence. 

One student, Islam Ali, said: “Three years ago, I didn’t have any confidence to speak English, but after participating in Radio ESOL, I gained the confidence to speak.”

Another student, Aidel Borges, added: “It’s fun, helps you gain more confidence, and also helps you learn more vocabulary. I don’t miss a single episode.”

You can listen to the Radio ESOL podcast on Spotify.

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In April, staff from Hunslet Fire Station delivered a two-day course all around staying safe on the roads whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, driver or passenger.

Live crash demonstration 

Each day featured a live road traffic collision demonstration, using student volunteers as casualties to reinforce key road safety messages and highlight the role of West Yorkshire Fire Service at these incidents. 

The fatal five risks 

The sessions focused on the fatal five key risk areas linked to serious and fatal road traffic collisions: careless driving, drink and drug driving, distractions, not paying attention and improper lane changes. 

Watch Commander Ward led the sessions with support from Watch Commander Hames from Hunslet Red Watch.

Vicky Balmforth, Deputy Head of Public Services at Leeds City College, said: “The event with Hunslet Red Watch provided our Public Service students with an opportunity to engage with firefighters, develop their awareness of road safety issues, and learn more about careers within the fire service.” 

Hunslet Fire Station Red Watch said: “Road safety is a vital issue and it’s important that we continue to engage with young people through events like this which reinforce key road safety messages and highlight the role of West Yorkshire Fire Service at such incidents.”

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Nikita Somma and Will Callaghan have been named as part of the Team GB Butchery UK Lions Squad that will compete in Australia in 2028.

The pair will also join the team as it takes part in national and international competitions and demonstrations in the run-up to the main event.

Nikita, who works at Sykes House Farm, near Wetherby, has already achieved national recognition. In 2025, she competed in the Battle of the Butchers at The Dalziel Apprentice Butcher Competition, winning the Golden Cleaver Award and two other categories.

She then went on to be crowned Champion Meat Apprentice of the Year and Best Retail Butchery Apprentice 2025 at the Institute of Meat (IoM) and Worshipful Company of Butchers’ Annual Prizegiving.

Nikita, who was also recently named Leeds City College’s Apprentice Learner of the Year, is keen to raise the profile of women in butchering and inspire others to follow in her footsteps. 

She said: “I want to motivate more women to join me; one day I plan to open my own educational establishment to help more young women into this extremely rewarding trade.”

Will, who works at R H Binks & sons in Wakefield, started his journey with us 2022, doing a Level 2 Butcher apprenticeship. He went on to win the York Butchers Guild Apprentice of the Year award and the Luminate Team Working award, and progressed to a Level 3 Advanced Butcher apprenticeship.

For Will, being selected to join the Team GB Butchery UK Lions squad is a huge milestone.

He said: “This is a massive achievement, and I am very proud to represent Leeds City College, my country and my workplace – and I’m looking forward to working with the best butchers the country has to offer.”

Made up of 24 talented professionals from a variety of independent butchers and farms, the squad members were chosen after a rigorous selection process that considered skill, commitment and consistency.

The team will have its first informal meet-up on 17 May, before attending the Dalziel Butchers Show, at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, in June.

The post Apprentices selected to represent Team GB at the World Butchers’ Challenge appeared first on Leeds City College.

No matter what stage you’re at, it’s not too late to get to grips with course material. We’ve provided some tips to help you approach this season positively and get the most out of your studies.

Make your revision active

One of the biggest mistakes students make is relying on passive revision, like re-reading notes or highlighting textbooks.

Instead, try more active techniques:

• Test yourself without looking at your notes.
• Use flashcards or quick quizzes.
• Explain topics out loud as if you’re teaching someone else.

These methods help strengthen memory and make it easier to recall information in an exam.

Practice with past papers

Past papers are one of the most effective ways to prepare for exams.

They help you:

• Get familiar with question styles.
• Understand how marks are awarded.
• Build confidence under timed conditions.

Don’t worry if you don’t get everything right straight away or don’t feel ready to sit an exam. The key is trying again and learning from mistakes.

Create a routine that works for you

Consistency is more effective than last-minute cramming.

Short, focused revision sessions with regular breaks can improve concentration and prevent burnout. Try to:

• Rotate between subjects
• Spend more time on topics you find challenging
• Build revision into your daily routine

Make your environment work for you

Your surroundings can have a big impact on how well you focus.

• Keep your workspace clear and organised
• Use music or background noise if it helps you concentrate
• Choose a space where you can work without distractions

Pairing revision with something positive, like a favourite drink, snack or a comfortable setup, can also help you stay motivated.

Use the support available

At Leeds City College, there’s a range of support to help you succeed.

Revision sessions and tutor support can:

• Help you understand difficult topics
• Improve your exam technique
• Build your confidence

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: it’s one of the best ways to improve.

Look after your wellbeing

Taking care of yourself is just as important as revising.

Make sure you:

• Get enough sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Take regular breaks

Exam season can feel challenging, but with the right approach and support from Leeds City College, you can go into your assessments feeling prepared and confident.

Good luck to everyone who is preparing for exam season- you’ve got this.

The post Exam season: revision hacks to help you thrive at Leeds City College appeared first on Leeds City College.

The RE: Workshop used refurbished old materials to create bespoke equipment for learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) at The Vine campus.

Students and staff at The Vine worked with RE: to design and build a sensory wall over a number of months. The wall boasts touch-sensitive lights, electric drums and projectors.

The Vine provides specialist education for learners with PMLD. Their purpose-built campus  opened in Burmantofts in 2023 and houses a hydrotherapy pool, rebound therapy equipment and specialist sensory rooms. 

Kerry Fisher, Programme Leader at the Vine, said: “It’s really hard for our students to have tailor made objects that are useful to them.

“Usually sensory equipment is very expensive so being able to design bespoke equipment has been amazing.

“With the more complex needs of learners, you can see them engaging with the equipment and tracking the different lights with their eyes which is brilliant.”

The RE: Workshop is dedicated to promoting sustainability and creativity through hands-on learning. They offer a variety of workshops on upcycling and refurbishment of products that would otherwise go to landfill.

Improving mood and emotional regulation 

The sensory wall is the latest product of the partnership between the RE: Workshop and The Vine. 

Recently, the centres worked together to create bespoke accessibility equipment, including two hoist beds and a portable wall padding. This equipment has supported the health care plans of learners and helped to ensure that learners and staff were safe and supported.

In other sessions, RE: have produced sensory musical equipment for the outdoor space such as bongos, rain wheels, a xylophone and finger mazes. This outdoor activity is beneficial for learners in improving mood and emotional regulation through exploring sounds and movement.

RE: Workshop manager, Neil Bostock, said:  

“A particular highlight has been delivering learner sessions. It has been amazing to see the joy these projects have created and just how impactful they can be.

“We are looking forward to working on many more projects together.”

The Vine have submitted their recent projects for the Green Awards UK 2026, which recognise commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation.

The post Sustainable meets sensory for students at The Vine appeared first on Leeds City College.

The event was the second of its kind run by the children’s cancer charity, and took place in the Printworks campus state-of-the-art training kitchens. 

The charity welcomed organisations across the city to take part in a competitive cook-off in aid of donating vital funds for Candlelighters, raising a total of £5290 from the event. 

Participants included staff from Dovetail & Slate, Leeds College of Building and Intuitive Business Intelligence.

The competition was once again hosted by celebrity chef and presenter Briony May Williams and saw 10 teams of two put their culinary skills to the test. 

Sue Patterson, Candlelighters Trustee, said: “Our second Ready Steady Cook in support of Candlelighters Trust at Leeds City College’s Printworks campus yesterday was an amazing success. 

“Today wouldn’t be possible without other people. There’s been a real effort from Leeds City College so thank you to them. Days like this only happen when people collaborate and get behind a great cause.”

Candlelighters provides emotional, practical and financial support for families as well as investing in research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

Staff from Leeds City College’s parent organisation Luminate Education Group took part with Group Vice Principal – Curriculum and Skills, Natalie Wilson, partnered with Andrea Cowans, Director of Student Life, on one of the teams, while Kelly McAllister, Group Director of Apprenticeships and Joanne Patrickson, Director of Business Development were in another. 

Joanne Patrickson and Kelly McAllister were announced runners up with their creation impressing the judges. 

Each team was tasked with cooking a main course and a pudding using ingredients provided by Company Shop Group, the UK’s largest redistributor of surplus food.

The teams each had 30 minutes to discuss their plans and choose their ingredients from the pantry before beginning to cook.

With only two hours to produce their two courses, the contestants were thrilled to have some of our Level 2 or Level 3 Culinary Skills students assisting them who were able to offer support and technique tips.

Andrea Cowans said: “It’s been an amazing opportunity for different businesses and charities to come together and support an incredible cause and working closely with our student helpers has shown us the skills they develop in their courses.”

Natalie Wilson said: “It’s the second year I’ve taken part in this really important event for Candlelighters. We’ve been able to see first-hand the impact it has on our learners. It’s a superb event with the opportunity for our Level 2 and Level 3 students to build on their skills and share their expertise.” 

The event was a great showcase of our students’ talent and professionalism. All funds raised on the day will go directly towards supporting families affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire. 

Emma Bexon, Deputy Head of Department for Travel, Food and Drink at Leeds City College, said: “It was a privilege for the department to host the Candlelighters Trust fundraiser. We were incredibly proud of our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Skills learners, who showed real passion, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the event. 

“A special thank you also to our amazing staff team, Emily Walker and Andrea Guardascione, for embedding such high standards and supporting the learners throughout the day.”

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Diana Bird joins from Shipley College, where she was Principal and CEO, and succeeds Bill Jones in the role (who is now CEO of Luminate Education Group).

 On her future vision for the college, Diana said: 

“I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to be an ambassador for Leeds City College and to nurture really strong partnerships which will expand opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities to benefit from outstanding education, training and learner outcomes.  

“Above all, I want Leeds City College to be a place where colleagues feel proud to work, students feel they belong, and employers see us as a trusted and ambitious partner.”

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