Four Level 3 Horticulture learners from Leeds City College’s School of Land and Animal Science at Temple Newsam joined the team behind Mindful Meadowlands, a 9m x 9m show garden exhibited at the prestigious RHS Sandringham Flower Show, held on the King’s Sandringham Estate in July.

Working in partnership with Constructing Minds with Nature, a landscape design studio for charitable and community gardens, the students supported the garden’s final planting phase, helping to prepare the exhibit for judging and its public debut. 

The participating students – Jack Hutchinson, Catherine Arnold, Vicky Cotterill and Yiu Wong – worked alongside designers, landscapers and horticultural specialists as they developed practical skills including plant conditioning, plant identification and placement and design techniques. 

Vicky, one of the participating students, said: 

“Getting to work alongside a great group of people from landscapers to designers was just the best experience. 

“Seeing a plan come together and being able to work both independently and with the group was really beneficial. It meant we were actually putting into action all that we have learnt and studied. 

“It was just fantastic to hear the garden won the bronze medal. All the planning and hard work really paid off and it was wonderful for it all to be recognised.”

Supporting the students throughout the project were Horticulture tutors Daniel Schofield and Hollie Farrow, together with Deputy Head of Department Darren Campini, who worked closely with Constructing Minds with Nature to ensure learners could make the most of this unique opportunity.

Horticulture tutor, Hollie said: 

“It was a pleasure to see students learning from industry-leading professionals and working to high standards for this prestigious event. 

“Learners picked up insider tips and tricks from the experts for both planting and project management under high pressure. 

“The garden itself focuses on climate resilience and public wellbeing, which are topics at the forefront of green skills careers.”

In November, the garden will be relocated to a new site at Ascot Park as part of a collaborative project between Places for People and Gascoyne Estates, where it will continue to provide residents with a welcoming space.

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Here are just a few of the ceremonies that took place across our college community.

Star Awards

On 8 July we hosted our annual Star Awards for the tenth year. 

Leeds City College, Leeds Sixth Form College and Pudsey Sixth Form College came together to host an event celebrating the achievements of students.

Sponsored by Reed Recruitment and FE Tech, the annual event highlighted the hard work and dedication of learners across the colleges.

Awards were presented in a variety of categories.

Access to Science student, Jaweria Nasim, won the Future Navigator award which recognised her resilience from almost dropping out of college to securing a place to study Biomedical Science at the University of York.

Adult student, Heath Burton, was presented with the Continued Development Award for embracing his return to education and career change after 30 years as a surveyor to pursue a future in social care.

Other awards were presented for the STEM Initiative, Community Connection and Artistry Excellence categories. 

Bill Barton, Chair of the Leeds City College Board, delivered a closing speech following the ceremony. 

He said: “Tonight has inspired me in ways I can’t explain. Leeds is an incredible city full of talented people.”

After the formal ceremony, staff continued the celebration with networking and conversation, reflecting on the accomplishments of our students.  

Diana Bird, Executive Principal at Leeds City College, who started her role in April 2026, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here for my first Star Awards. I’m new to the role so have the privilege of seeing your hard work but with the advantage of fresh eyes.

“You have all taken different paths to be here tonight and that’s how it should be. Tonight we are all about celebrating achievements. These awards are a reminder of what you are capable of achieving in the future.”

Alf Cooke Awards

Our annual Alf Cooke awards allow members of staff across Printworks, Somerville House and Temple Newsam campuses to celebrate learners’ achievements over the year. 

On 23 June, students across subject areas were commended for their hard work and commitment. 

The event was kicked off by Stephanie Moon, renowned Yorkshire chef and former BBC Great British Menu contestant, who began the ceremony with an opening speech.

Principal of Printworks campus, Lee Pryor, said: “It was a real privilege to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students across the Printworks family. These awards are about more than just results – they recognise resilience, growth, and the personal development that sits at the heart of everything we do.”

Sir George Martin Trust Awards

On 24 June, we hosted our fifth Sir George Martin Trust awards ceremony for our Access to HE adult learners. 

Six students from across our Social Science and Health Science pathways were commended for their hard work throughout their course and awarded a £600 prize from the trust, which supports charities and individuals across West Yorkshire.

Carla Marshall, Trust Manager, Sir George Martin Trust, said: “This is our fifth year that we have had these awards and we are so inspired to hear the stories of how hard the students have worked and hope the cash prize will really help for their future.” 

As the 2025/26 academic year comes to a close, we look forward to continuing to celebrate our learners achievements in the 2026-7 year. 

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James began his journey at Leeds City College in 2024, where he studied Level 3 Public Services with aspirations of joining the police.

After volunteering at CATCH Leeds, a local charity who help vulnerable people to reach their full potential, he developed a passion for supporting young people in the community.

Encouraged by the CEO of CATCH and after learning more about the benefits of on-the-job training, James started an  apprenticeship with the charity in September 2025- a Level 3 in Business Administration.

James is committed to building a career where he can make a positive difference. Since beginning his apprenticeship, he has taken on a variety of opportunities to achieve this. 

In July, James spoke alongside the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, representing the voices of young people across the region.

He said: “Standing alongside Tracy Brabin, was a moment I’ll never forget. Seeing a room full of people ready to listen and act, reminded me of the importance of community, and collaboration.”

James is also an ambassador for the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Network, a group of apprentices and employers committed to inspiring young people, supporting local communities and championing the value of apprenticeships.

He said: “You don’t fully understand what an apprenticeship has to offer unless you jump into it. I took the risk, and it was worth it.” 

More recently, James was named Runner-Up Apprentice of the Year in Business at our annual Alf Cooke Awards which recognise student achievements throughout the year.

He said: “I’m really proud of this recognition and grateful for the support l’ve had throughout my apprenticeship so far. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and stepping into opportunities that have pushed me forward.” 

James has reflected on his apprenticeship saying: “My apprenticeship with Leeds City College has given me the confidence to use my voice in the community. While working in the third sector, which has allowed me to turn my lived experience into real impact, supporting young people and speaking up for those who often go unheard.”

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Jacob Naylor, an apprentice healthcare support worker at Leeds City College, was named Apprentice of the Year in the Northern Council for Further Education’s (NCFE) Aspiration Awards 2026.

The awards are held annually to celebrate the success of remarkable learners, apprentices, educators, support staff and educational organisations across the UK. 

Jacob joined York Hospital, part of the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as one of the youngest members of its clinical team, aged just 16. Despite his tender years, he quickly showed a level of compassion and professionalism beyond expectations, earning the trust of both his colleagues and patients.

Jacob’s tutor and course leader in Clinical Health and Social Care at Leeds City College, Jamie Jaffray, said: “He is an exceptional example of the transformative power of apprenticeships within the NHS.  

“In a relatively short period of time, Jacob has developed from a young apprentice entering the workforce for the first time into a capable, resilient and highly respected member of the ward team.”

Jacob has become known for his compassionate approach towards patient care, particularly when supporting and reassuring individuals who are anxious during their hospital stay.

Alongside his day-to-day role, he has also been keen to build on his professional development. That has involved observing in surgical theatres and volunteering for a three‑month secondment on the hospital’s Winter Pressures Ward, where he supported colleagues during a demanding period.

Jacob manages dyslexia alongside his apprenticeship, which initially made the academic aspects of his training daunting. Rather than allowing this to hold him back, however, he instead sought additional support, attended one‑to‑one sessions and developed strategies to build confidence in his written work and learning.  

His commitment to his role has also been formally recognised with an NHS England Chief Nursing Officer’s Award, which was created to celebrate the contribution of nurses and healthcare support workers in England. 

Speaking on his Apprentice of the Year win, Jacob said: “I am delighted to have received this Aspiration Award.

“My apprenticeship with the trust has helped me build on my previous care experience, develop new skills and knowledge, and grow in confidence when communicating with patients. I have really enjoyed learning, working with a supportive team, and seeing how much I have progressed.”

Looking ahead, he believes his apprenticeship will provide the foundation for a long‑term career in healthcare and is motivated by a genuine desire to continue learning, and supporting others, within the NHS.

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Stellon Forbes was captain of the team during his studies in Sport. The Academy is run in collaboration with Let’s Do More (LDM) and gives learners the opportunity to play basketball alongside their studies.

He now runs his own media company, MoFlicketIt, and is working as LDM’s media partner for the 2025/26 season.

Unlocking opportunities in basketball

The academy, which was started in 2020 with Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College, combines basketball with academic study. Meeting educational expectations around behaviour, attendance and study is a condition to participation, helping to keep young people engaged with their courses.

The partnership with Let’s Do More was set up due to a lack of city-wide basketball opportunities for those aged 16 and over and can open a variety of future pathways including professional clubs, international college programmes or UK universities.

Transferable skills in sport

Stellon first became involved with the academy at 16, when he was exploring college options. 

During his role as a team captain with the academy, Stellon built his confidence and leadership skills through supporting players both on and off the court. 

His role in the academy inspired him to begin filming basketball games and showcase the talent of the players. 

He said: “Being part of the academy made me recognise the importance of exposure in sport.”

Stellon went on to build his skills in collaboration with LDM where he developed and filmed content from the academy.

He said: “Let’s Do More has had a significant impact on my personal and professional development. It has helped shape my character, teaching me to remain calm, think logically, and adapt to different environments.”

Loran Lewis, CEO of Let’s Do More Basketball Academy, said: “At LDM, the priority is not just producing better basketball players, but developing well-rounded individuals with multiple pathways for success, whether that is in sport, education, or employment.”

The 16-19 academy is run at our Park Lane campus with training and games taking place at the Mandela Community Centre. Find out more on the Let’s Do More website.

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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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