Nationally, the pandemic was one of the most challenging periods ever experienced by the education sector, but in Kirklees there was a huge push to ensure children and young people still got the education they needed to achieve. Kirklees saw a rise in the number of people accessing community learning and quickly refocused its provision to help with home schooling, support with mental health and wellbeing, and helping people who had become unemployed because of the pandemic. This momentum will be built upon going forward.

The story so far

We are aware that new technology can bring challenges for some and we are working on plans to provide relevant training and learning opportunities to those that need them. Residents and local businesses are at the core of these plans.

We are working with local employers to help them understand our local training offer, supply apprenticeship opportunities for staff of all ages, invest in workplace development, and supply better quality jobs.

The Dewsbury Learning Quarter

Key to our Dewsbury Blueprint vision is offering young people access to high-quality education in a purpose-built campus and supporting them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the Kirklees economy.

The Dewsbury Learning Quarter has seen major investment, Pioneer Higher Skills Centre opened in November 2021 and the multi-million pound Springfield Sixth Form Centre opened in September 2018.

Kirklees College - Pioneer Higher Skills Centre virtual tour

Kirklees College - Springfield Sixth Form Centre virtual tour