The History of Wharfedale

Wharfedale is one of Yorkshire’s longest and most beautiful dales, located in the south of the National Park, and separated into two areas; Upper Wharfedale and Lower Wharfedale.
The River Wharfe winds its way through Wharfedale for approximately 97km before joining the River Ouse.
The medieval monks of Fountains Abbey and Bolton Priory owned large estates in Wharfedale and the many of the roads in use today once connected sheep farming estates throughout the dales. Many of these roads have now been surfaced; those that haven’t make up the green lanes found crossing the dales.
Visitors to Wharfedale are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit, the Strid, Kilnsey Crag, Trollers Ghyll and Conistone Dibb are all wonderful examples of the natural attractions to be found. Not to outdone by nature, man has contributed the fine buildings of Bolton Priory, Barden Tower and the gardens at Parcevall Hall that are now attractions.
In addition to these Wharfedale hosts many events throughout the year. In June the Grassington Festival, an arts and music event, takes place. The Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival is a major attraction in August.
Ilkley and Otley are historic towns situated in Lower Wharfedale just to the north of Leeds and Bradford.
Otley’s greatest period of growth was in the 19th century when it became the world leader in the design, production and refurbishment of printing machines to all parts of the British Empire.
Another interesting fact about this town is that the foundation stones of the Houses of Parliament in London are said to have been quarried from Otley Chevin. Most of the stone used to construct the town itself, also came from these quarries.
If visiting, All Saints Church on Kirkgate is well worth a look inside. The chancel dates from the Norman period, and the nave was added during the13th century.
Otley has several claims to fame. The famous furniture maker, Thomas Chippendale, was born here and his statue stands outside the old grammar school on Market Square.
Artist J M W Turner spent time in and around Otley, and The Chevin formed the backdrop to his picture “Hannibal Crossing the Alps”. Otley ‘the clearing of an Anglo-Saxon called Otta’ is an interesting market town popular with commuters who work in Leeds or Bradford who want to live a little closer to the scenery of the Dales. The town has many interesting old houses and inns and a medieval church where sculptured Viking and Anglo-Saxon stones have been found. Another interesting place of worship is Bramhope Chapel in the grounds of Bramhope Hall to the south east of Otley. It is a Puritan church dating from 1649.
Ilkley was in Anglo-Saxon times the clearing or ‘ley’ belonging to someone called Illica and was once famous as a spa town. The town is a large, lively and rather genteel country town situated on the banks of the River Wharfe. It is the home to antiques shops and some upmarket stores while its historic buildings include Box Tree Cottage, an old farmhouse of 1720 that is now a restaurant. Another building of historic note is the manor house which is Ilkley’s most historic building and now home to Ilkley Manor House Museum. Situated near the medieval parish church of All Saints, it includes relics from a neighbouring Roman fort.
The Roman fort at Ilkley is said to have been called Olicana. Despite its medieval and Anglo-Saxon origins Ilkley owes much of its growth to its development as a spa town in the 1840s when the waters of its local springs were claimed to have medicinal properties. A number of prehistoric rock carvings can be found in the Ilkley moorland to the south of the town including a mysterious ancient carving called the Swastika Stone at Hebers Ghyll. Ilkley Moor itself forms part of the more extensive Rombald’s Moor that separates Ilkley in Wharfedale from Keighley in Airedale to the south.
Ilkley Moor, to the south of the town, is the subject of a folk song, often described as the unofficial anthem of Yorkshire, “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at”. The song’s words are written in Yorkshire dialect, its title translated as “On Ilkley Moor without a hat.”
Close by is Guiseley. Named ‘Gisele’in the Domesday Book. Much of the Aire valley was once wooded and “ley” means a clearing in the woodland.
Guiseley’s church dedicated to St Oswald was the centre of a large parish that included many surrounding villages. It used by generations of the Longfellow family. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s grandfather left here for the New World in the 18th century. The rector of St Oswald’s for several decades was Rev. Robert More, who died in 1642. He was the father-in-law of the English explorer, Captain Christopher Levett. Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell were married at St Oswald’s and became the parents of six children, including Anne, Charlotte and Emily Brontë.
Between Otley and Ilkley is Burley – approximately 14 miles north-west of the centre of Leeds and nine miles north of Bradford. Burley developed in the late 18th and 19th centuries into an industrial village with many residents employed at the cotton mills known as Greenholme Mills, which were powered from a goit fed from the River Wharfe.
A large weir remains and there are stepping stones across the river linking footpaths from each bank. An internet campaign is pressing for the stepping stones to be restored.
In the 1830s nearly 400 operatives worked in these mills. Later after William Fison and William Edward Forster took over ownership of Greenholme Mills in 1850, the mills were extended and worsted yarn and cloth became the main products. There was employment for over 700 workers in the later nineteenth century, when the population reached 3000.
Smaller textile mills were also established at Woodhead, but employment was limited and all except for the Bleach Mill failed long before the end of the nineteenth century.
In the twentieth century the textile industry suffered from reduction in markets and investment. By the mid-1960s all local mills were disused but small businesses mainly of a sales or service nature have more recently located themselves in the old mill buildings.
Much of the village character derives from the early settlement and its development in the 19th century, which established the streets, and buildings that lie within the Conservation Area.
Developments in the second half of the twentieth century have seen Burley become a prosperous but socially diverse village. Upper Wharfedale’s landscape is dominated by white scars of rocks throughout the valley. Dramatic views of Wharfedale can be seen from the B6160 as you drive along, with Bolton Abbey and the River Wharfe’s source being just two of the many sights on view.
The land in Wharfedale has been carved by different settlers over the years. Today’s village settlements such as Linton, Grassington, Bolton Abbey and Kettlewell were established by Anglian pioneers who moved through the valley in the 6th and 7th centuries. Farm hamlets in the upper dale beyond Buckden were created by 10th century Norse Settlers.
Fountains Abbey and Bolton Priory were run by monks in medieval times, and both originally owned estates in Wharfedale, and it was the monks who created roads and lanes surrounding the limestone uplands. Bolton Abbey today is a popular family picnic venue as it is set next to the river and has many nature trails and footpaths in its surrounding area.
Villages in Wharfedale are very distinctive, Burnsall is thought by many to be the prettiest village in England, and Grassington a charming village with the facilities of a town, and each June hosts the Grassington Music and Arts Festival which is very popular with locals and tourists. The Dickensian Festival held in December attracts visitors from miles away. Grassington is ideal for visitors travelling by car as the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre has good car parking facilities.
The River Wharfe passes down Longstrothdale valley high up on the moors in the Yorkshire Dales, it continues down the dale through the hamlets of Hubberholme and Yockenthwaite to the village of Buckden at the head of Wharfedale. From here the Wharfe travels south towards Kettlewell and Kilnsey. On the east side of the dale past Grassington, Grass Wood an important Nature Reserve can be found along with Kilnsey’s famous crag, a dramatically overhanging limestone cliff which is popular with tourists and climbers. In August the northern agricultural show is held in Kilnsey every bank holiday, a feature of the event is the Fell Race up and down the crag. After Kilnsey, the Kettlewood road leads on towards Littondale and also links with Malham and Ribblesdale.
Kettlewell is the next village up the dale; it is here where most of the 2003 film the Calendar Girls was filmed. Kettlewell’s Scarecrow Festival in mid August is a popular with visitors to the area. Wharfedale continues into the villages of Starbotton and then Buckden. From Kettlewell you can cross over to Coverdale and Wensleydale along an upland road. Further downstream the River Wharfe passes by the villages of Grassington and Threshfield and on through The Strid, Burnsall and Bolton Abbey. The river then flows out of the national park and on through Otley and Ilkley to the Vale of York where it meets the River Aire.
Iron Age fields and hut circles can still be seen in outline on the hills above Grassington and Kettlewell.
The Romans built a road through Wharfedale that went over Stake Moss into neighboring Wensleydale.
The local tribe of Brigantes was subdued by the Romans in AD 74. The Romans mined lead in the hills on Greenhow Hill overlooking Appletreewick until AD 410.
After AD 620 the Celtic settlers were joined by Angles and increased the amount of forest clearing to establish fields for crops and animals. These were overrun by Danes initially before they too settled to farming near Burnsall and Thorpe.
Vikings then settled the area in the 10th century, lending their language to some of the names of hamlets and landscape features of Upper Wharfedale, especially near the head of the valley.
During Anglo-Saxon times, large estates were established and the River Wharfe and its valley came under the protection of Earl Edwin of Bolton-in-Craven. After the Norman invasion, the lands were given to Robert Romilly.
In medieval times low intensity methods were used to produce both crops and livestock but the great monasteries of Fountains, Rievaulx and Bolton Priory had large sheep flocks and sold their wool on the European market.
In 1155, Alice de Romilly donated land for the establishment of Bolton Priory and land at Kilnsey to Fountains Abbey. The monasteries helped develop vast sheep farms and the founding of drove roads, which can still be seen and walked today. The success of the monasteries was also responsible for the growth of the market towns of Grassington and Kettlewell.
When the monasteries were dissolved in 1539, and wool prices fell, many tenant farmers took to cattle and sheep rearing. However, at the end of the 17th century there was still small-scale arable production. By the early nineteenth century there was a demand for food from the growing industrial towns and farmers and many farms began to produce milk from the lower lands and use the higher fells for sheep.

Photographs courtesy of www.yorkshire.com

Article from Northern Life issue 42 February/March 2012.
To order this issue go to the Northern Life online store.

Shop In Style

WHEN Prince Charles gave his royal approval to Craven Court Shopping Centre 23 years ago, he helped set the seal on a unique location that firmly remains one of Skipton’s main attractions.

Developed from a narrow old alleyway of shops, with a two-tier Victorian-style arcade added, Craven Court blends the old with the new in a way that’s perfectly appropriate for the historic but forward-looking ‘Gateway to the Dales’ town.
The Prince was so impressed by what he saw in 1988 that he declared the £4million redevelopment of Craven Court a “marvellous and courageous project.” And since then, thousands of people – both locals and visitors – have agreed with him.
Visitors from all over the country never cease to marvel at the magnificent glass-roofed arcade with its ornamental wrought ironwork, stout cast iron pillars and stone flagged floor. It has even been compared to London’s showpiece redevelopment of the old Covent Garden fruit market.

“Was this place a Victorian market hall?” asks one visitor.
“Was it a railway station at one time?” asks another.

Actually, it was neither. Craven Court was originally Smith’s Yard, a cluster of buildings, some dating from the 16th century, reached through a narrow “ginnel” or alley, just off High Street. They had been cottages, farm buildings, the Hole in the Wall inn, and a former workshop that had served as the Skipton Theatre in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is recorded that two leading actors of the time, the great Edmund Kean and the future Duchess of St Albans, Harriet Mellon, appeared at the theatre despite it being much less grand than the theatres they were used to. Like most old theatres, there’s even talk of a ghost that walks at night after the shops have closed, carrying out minor acts of mischief such as moving chairs about.
By the 1980s, several of the buildings in the court were occupied by local furnishers Ledgard and Wynn, who relocated to a converted old mill in town.

Architects designed an imaginative redevelopment scheme for Craven Court that retained and improved the best of the old buildings and re-used stone from buildings that had to be taken down. The result is a unique court of more than 20 shops, where some of the country’s best-known chain stores rub shoulders with independent local businesses.
From High Street, the “ginnel” entrance to Craven Court, indicated by an ornate canopy across the pavement, is between jewellers H Samuel, one of the original occupants, and Fat Face fashion store, one of the latest to arrive.
From the town’s main car park, visitors walk past Bizzie’s and The Albion pub to Craven Court’s ornate Otley Street entrance, with its grand wrought iron staircase and landscaped shrubberies.
Inside the court are national chains Fat Face, H.Samuels, Laura Ashley home fashions, Wallis ladies wear, Bodycare toiletries, Hawkshead outdoor wear, Julian Graves’s speciality foods, Past Times nostalgic gifts, and Broughton Shoes.
Independent specialists include Emma’s Apothecary and home store, Dr Rufas fish spa, Oculus Opticians, Dandelion cards and gifts, Main Boutique ladies wear, Main Clothing mens and ladies wear, The Present Planners Toyshop, The Skipton Fudge Store and the Ice Cream Parlour.
Craven Court also boasts Skipton’s own jewellery quarter, with no fewer than four jewellers covering the entire range of jewellery services at prices to suit all pockets. They are: Barbara Cunningham & Mezzo Jewellery, Isaac’s Working Jewellers, Keith James and The Silver Box.
Shoppers can rest and enjoy anything from light refreshments to a full meal, with waitress service and traditional ambience, at Hemingway’s Tea Rooms on the first floor.
Day-to-day management of Craven Court is carried out by Embsay-based Marsden Contract Services, and a discrete security presence is backed by the town’s anti-crime radio watch scheme.

Craven Court manager Emma Marsden said: “Craven Court is successful today because of its warm, friendly, modern sophisticated shopping experience, all under one roof.”

Marvellous Markets

Fancy swapping the tedious supermarket dash for the more relaxed atmosphere of the markets with their unique stalls and friendly traders?
Well, you couldn’t do better than visit Calderdale’s superb markets, in Halifax, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Elland. Whether you’re after fresh fish, fruit and veg, cooked meat, clothes, toys, hardware, haberdashery, flowers or second-hand CDs, you’ll find it all here. And why not combine your trip with a day out exploring the history and other attractions of this grand part of Yorkshire? Halifax Borough Market, a marvellous example of Victorian architecture, is an attraction in its own right. And while in Halifax, why not visit the wonderful Piece Hall, where there’s a weekly market and often entertainment in the huge courtyard. You can sample the boho atmosphere of artistic Hebden Bridge, watch the narrowboats at Sowerby Bridge’s charming canal basin, call at Todmorden, which used to have one foot in Lancashire, or visit Elland, which has the smallest market but a proud history, dating from the 13th century.
It’s fun, interesting and full of characters, many who have worked on the markets for more than 20 years. Not only are they passionate about what they sell, they think green. All waste food is composted and many traders use biodegradable bags.
To find out what’s on and on what day, see the at-a-glance panel, or to find out more, look up www.calderdalemarkets.co.uk then go and explore – it’s a great way to shop.

Halifax Borough Market: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5pm.

Halifax Piece Hall: Thurs (2nd hand), Sat (general) and selective Sundays 9am to 4pm.

Todmorden: Market Hall - Mon to Sat. 9am to 5.30pm (Tues 9am - 1pm).

Open Market - Wed. Fri. Sat. Sun. (general) Thurs (2nd hand)

Sowerby Bridge: Tues and Fri (fresh produce and general retail), Sat (fresh produce and 2nd hand) 9am to 4pm.

Hebden Bridge: Wed (2nd hand) Thurs (fresh produce & general retail) 9am to 4pm.

Elland: General market, Fri 9am - 4pm.

Food, Craft and Produce Markets: Hebden Bridge every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month. Halifax 3rd Sat. of the month, 9am - 4pm.

Car Boot Markets: Every Sunday, Halifax 6am - 1pm, Brighouse from 7am - 1pm.

Saying Farewell the Natural Way

Tarn Moor Memorial Woodland is a natural resting place for people and pets amidst the peace and tranquility of beautiful countryside. The aim is to produce a long-term natural woodland and as such, it will be maintained as woodland and not as a cemetery. The site is grazed by sheep so it is maintained naturally.
The popularity of Green and woodland burials has increased significantly over the years. The idea of being surrounded by nature is many people’s choice for a final resting place.
Since opening in November 2002, hundreds of people have picked their own burial plot at Tarn Moor. There are family plots and even pets have their own place, with animals often buried beside their owners. Increasing public consciousness for the environment means that more sites like Tarn Moor Memorial are likely to be created.
“Tarn Moor is not just a beautiful location for burial. The impression of a Woodland burial has often been that ‘you have to be in a cardboard box and have a tree planted’. At Tarn Moor we pride ourselves on ‘choice’, whether it be location, casket, ceremony, releasing of doves or recently balloons, wearing a favourite colour of the person that has passed away or in bad weather spotty wellies!
So many people leave a funeral with us and say ‘that was lovely’. There certainly is such a thing as a ‘A Good Funeral’.
Only those familiar with Tarn Moor would know of its purpose as a natural burial site. There are no grave stones dominating the skyline, just a few strategically planted oak trees. The burials underground are located by microchip. Jacquie believes an increase in environmental awareness has made people more conscious about green burials. She explains: “We are not just a burial ground that happens to plant trees, but have a long term Woodland management scheme in place, to produce a lovely place for families to visit for many generations to come.
Those who want a traditional church funeral can come to Tarn Moor for the committal and there are many more options to explore. Traditional wood coffins are allowed, but without adornments such as brass handles and plaques which are not bio-degradable. Bamboo and wicker coffins and even shrouds have become popular for those conscious of saving the planet, even after death.
Tarn Moor also recognise the special bond between pet and owner, and are dedicated to offering bereaved owners a place to grieve quietly for their beloved companions, with both burials and the scattering of ashes being welcome. Tarn Moor also offers a quiet and unique area for owners who wish to be buried alongside their much loved animals, which has become increasingly popular.
The growth in clients pre-booking their plots is something Jacquie is becoming more conscious of: “More and more people are making forward plans. They are booking their plots and planning their arrangements. I believe it is a very brave thing to discuss and organise, but pre-planning your own funeral arrangements is very wise and people do feel comforted to know that they have done it.”
“When the sun sets on a life whether it be human or animal you DO have a choice of what happens to the mortal remains make yours now and enjoy peace of mind.

THE MANOR HOUSE SHOW APARTMENT

THE MANOR HOUSE
SHOW APARTMENT
APT 4 TURNSHAW ROAD, KIRKBURTON, HD8 0TH
is a fine period property which has just been carefully restored and adapted into 11 luxury apartments exclusively for those aged 55 and over. Enjoying a majestic setting in its own grounds extending to over 5 acres with a mixture of private woodland, a meadow as well as landscaped garden area allowing the outdoors to be enjoyed without any maintenance. The highly regarded village centre of Kirkburton is only a short walk away with a great variety of amenities.

• NEWLY CONVERTED MANOR HOUSE
• PRICES RANGE FROM £150,000 - £195,000
• LUXURY APARTMENTS
• ALL APPARTMENTS WITH 2 BEDROOMS
• DELIGHTFUL GROUNDS
• CLOSE TO VILLAGE CENTRE
• ABUNDANCE OF PARKING
• SWEEPING TREE LINED DRIVEWAY
• PRIVATE SECURE LIVING
• A CHOICE OF KITCHEN TO SELECT
• EXCLUSIVELY FOR 55 AND OVER
• DAY CARE AVAILABLE FROM ADJACENT CARE HOME (Residential NURSING/EMI)

The Accommodation
Kitchen • Living Area • Master Bedroom • En-suite
Appointed to a high standard each self contained apartment benefits from spacious rooms and modern fittings throughout with the option of picking from a choice of 5 kitchens for most apartments. Each floor benefits from a newly installed lift and on site numerous care and domestic services will be made available to the residents of the Manor House. The floor plans and site plan give additional detail.

Location
The charming semi rural village of Kirkburton is located in a conservation area which enjoys varied amenities including a post office, library, bus stops, restaurants, pubs and numerous shops and hairdressers including butchers, bakers and mini supermarket. Surrounded by open rolling countryside providing access to a network of public footpaths to explore the great outdoors.

Kirkburton
Kirkburton lies in a central location on the A636 between Huddersfield and Wakefield. The M1 and the East Coast Mainline can be reached in nearby Wakefield and there are regular bus services to all nearby towns and cities. Established around the textile industry, the village now offers excellent amenities with an extensive new health centre, wide variety of shops, businesses and restaurants.

An attractive mix of properties from quaint cottage terraces to modern bungalows, semi and secluded detached properties.
Kirkburton has an excellent village school from nursery to junior from where children would progress to Kirkburton Middle School and then to the highly regarded Shelley College which offer post 16 education.

For further details contact Martin Creegan 01924 220163

Don't Miss Out

Some places are still available on our full and part-time courses and Apprenticeships at Shipley College.

Transform your future with a part-time course...
Rebecca came to Shipley College as a mature student to study Travel & Tourism, as she has always wanted to work in that area. “I have learnt so much during the last year,” says Rebecca. “The course was very well structured and informative. My tutor was always on hand to explain anything I didn’t understand the first time around.”
She feels it has helped her personally as well as academically. “I am a much more confident, determined, satisfied and happy person.”

Shipley College Student Spots Trend for Success
A Shipley College Student is eyeing a career in fashion after scooping a major prize for outstanding performance at college.
Lucinda Hood, 20, from Bradford, has been named Bradford and District’s FE Student of the Year at the Aimhigher West Yorkshire Awards 2011, after overcoming personal difficulties to complete her BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design.
Now Lucinda can fulfil her dream of being the first person in her family to progress to higher education, and will start a degree in Fashion Design at Bradford College this September.
She said: “I never thought I’d be winning an award for my learning and I was staggered when they called my name out. I’m just delighted I’ve been able to complete my course and can now move on to do a degree in fashion design, which has always been my dream.”

Great People, Great Place
If you would like more information about our courses please call 01274 327222 to request a prospectus or visit www.discoveryourtalents.co.uk to view a pdf.

Greycroft Residential Home

Greycroft Residential Home, at Accrington, is a well established residential home enjoying an excellent reputation for its quality of care.

With 14 residents’ bedrooms, it is the right size to ensure that residents get the individual care they need and deserve.
Situated in Queens Road, in the quiet and pleasant residential area near Victoria Hospital, yet only a few minutes from the town centre, Greycroft has been owned and run by Helen and John Crickmore for more than six years.
Helen, a nurse since the age of 18 and a former midwife and practice nurse, manages the home with a full complement of suitably skilled NVQ2 staff. She said: “Because our home isn’t too large, all the girls on our staff get know the residents very well. We are proud of treating our residents as individuals.”
Greycroft is close to numerous amenities in the Whalley Road area including shops, a post office, dental surgery and churches of various denominations.
Bedrooms are on both the ground and first floors, serviced by a stair lift and decorated to a high standard. They offer a bright and comfy environment, and all have nurse call systems, wash basins, colour television and sitting area.
There are single and twin-bedded rooms, some of which are en-suite, and one room is always kept available for temporary respite care, providing day care and short-term residency.
Residents can relax in two comfortable lounge areas fully equipped with televisions, radio, tapes, books and games. There are pleasant gardens and garden furniture in which to relax when the weather permits.
Greycroft is able to offer a very personal and individualistic approach to each resident’s needs, resulting in a homely and family atmosphere - a home from home.
Helen is particularly proud of the home cooking at Greycroft. She said: “We have an excellent cook who caters for everyone’s needs and preferences, including special diets and vegetarian.”
In addition, Greycroft residents also enjoy a full laundry service including incontinence aids, visiting clergy, hairdresser, chiropodist and optician, regular entertainment and outings, and the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of pastimes and activities. They are also actively encouraged to take up new interests.
Helen says: “Greycroft’s philosophy is to provide exceptionally high standards of care within a warm loving family atmosphere, where residents become part of the family.
“We respect our residents’ privacy and dignity at all times and ensure that their independence and freedom of choice is a top priority 24 hours a day. “We carry out all tasks with regard to their needs, however large or small, with a cheerful attitude. We provide opportunities for residents to live their lives to the full, respecting their religious, ethical and cultural beliefs and customs.
“We aim to obtain the standard of care that we would expect for our own parents, and to always remember that it is their home. You are very welcome to visit at any time and see our facilities for yourself and meet our staff and residents. We can then discuss your individual requirements.” http://www.greycroft.info/

Leeds City College

Leeds City College is the UK’s third largest FE establishment, offering a diverse curriculum to over 55,000 students. We provide a vibrant, multicultural learning environment, delivering excellent and innovative education which is supportive, inspiring and life changing.

Leeds City College is a friendly and welcoming further education college. We make it a priority to ensure that Leeds City College is an inclusive place to study, and we welcome applications from all students.
Our extensive range of full and part-time courses cover almost all subject areas to suit the needs of everyone from pre and post 16s to adult learners, employers and employees. We offer academic and vocational qualifications through from basic skills to apprenticeships to Foundation Degrees, with training delivered both on-site and off-site - in partnership, in companies and in local communities.

Leeds City College operates out of six main campuses – Horsforth, Joseph Priestley. Keighley, Park Lane, Technology and Thomas Danby – as well as having provisions in dozens of smaller community centres across the region. The College’s first official new building – a £35m state-of-the-art campus in Keighley – opened its doors to students in September last year.

Coming to college is all about developing your independence, making new friends, taking advantage of new opportunities and learning new skills for your future career; the more you put in, the more you will get out of college life.
Leeds City College is renowned for a number of key specialisms, with National Skills Academy status, which recognises employer-led training excellence, for Community Sport Enterprise, Creative & Cultural Skills, Food & Drink Manufacture, Hospitality, Retail, Financial Services and Sports & Fitness, as well as accolades for Printing.

The colleges extensive work with business is also a key area with the College having established strong links with more than 1,500 companies and working relationships with many major employers including DFS, Arriva and Yorkshire Water.

Its portfolio of business solutions includes a diverse range of Apprenticeships, work-based programmes, online learning and incubation start-up units as well as leading on the £12.5m European Regional Development Fund project net315.

The college offers a diverse curriculum to 50,000 students from Leeds, Keighley and the wider city region. It also employs 2,000 staff, making it among the largest employers in the city.