As we reopen our doors for the new academic year, we’ve taken measures to make sure that the college campus is as safe as possible. 

Thanks to the success of the NHS vaccine programme rollout and ongoing safety measures, students can safely return to college to begin an exciting new year of learning. You can find our latest campus rules and safety measures below.

Face coverings

Students are expected to wear face coverings in communal areas, such as the canteen and corridors, but not in classroom or workshop areas (unless students or staff want to).

Other safety measures on campus

Studying in college is important for the quality of our students’ learning and wellbeing. We will continue to take safety measures seriously to keep our students and staff safe. 

This includes:

• Ensuring good hygiene for everyone by using hand sanitiser stations.
• Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes, such as wiping down workspaces after use.
• Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated.
• Following public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of Covid-19. Staff or students awaiting a PCR test should self-isolate until a negative test is confirmed.

The safety measures we’ve had in place have proved a real success at controlling the spread of Covid-19. We want to reassure you that we are teaching in a Covid-19 safe environment and we will continue to implement measures to ensure student and staff safety. 

Testing

To keep everyone even safer on campus, it is expected that all students should take and have evidence of two negative lateral flow tests during induction or soon afterwards. You can either take these tests on site or at home. You can ask for Covid-19 tests at your local pharmacy or you can order these via the Gov.uk website.

During induction, all students will be provided with testing kits and reminded how to undertake these tests. Positive lateral flow tests will be reported to Track and Trace.

For any students who are self-isolating, remote education will continue. If you are a student and have any questions, please speak with your teacher.

Bubbles and close contacts

We will no longer use bubbles to ensure students and staff who may have been in contact with an infected person isolate.

For those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive – if you are double vaccinated or under the age of 18, you do not need to isolate unless you display symptoms.

Students over the age of 18 who are unvaccinated will be notified via the NHS Track and Trace app; therefore it is essential that we continue to support the use of this while on campus.

If you are notified by Track and Trace that you are a close contact of a positive case, please access a PCR test and self-isolate until you have confirmation of a negative result.

How to take a test

Taking a test is quick and easy. Watch this video from Public Health England to see how it’s done. You can also read the guides below.

Vaccine information

If you’re offered the vaccine, please take this opportunity as it is proving effective against Covid-19. You can find more information about the vaccine here.

An exciting new academic year at Harrogate College is almost upon us and preparations are underway to ensure we can all enjoy it and succeed together.

A vital part of that will depend, as efforts continue to contain the pandemic, on as many students and staff as possible being vaccinated against Covid-19. 

The government is now offering walk-in vaccinations to 16 and 17 year olds and we would strongly encourage students to have a vaccination before starting their studies with us in September.

Keeping safe and having fun

Doing so, and following our Covid safety measures – which include continuing, for now, to wear face coverings in corridors and open spaces, or where distancing can’t be maintained – will help us all stay safe.

That will mean students will have the best possible chance of excelling in their courses and taking the vital next step towards the career or academic path of their choice.

It will also mean that everyone can feel confident as they try out the many rewarding and fun events we will have going on, during induction week and beyond.

If you’re 18 years old or over, you can book a vaccination here. 

When term starts, students will need to take two Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests each week (like they did before the summer break) and to record their results via the Gov.uk website.

For more details about Covid-19 vaccinations visit the Gov.uk website here. This guide here also includes information on what to expect after having a Covid-19 vaccination.

Find out more information about vaccinations for under 18 year olds here.

Students and staff at Harrogate College have been praised for achieving exceptional GCSE and A level results despite a ‘challenging ‘year.

The college has been celebrating a successful results week that saw many of its students achieve or exceed their target grades.

Grades rose across the country again this year as Teacher Assessed Grades were once more used in lieu of exams.

Principal Danny Wild said the achievements of Harrogate College’s students were all the more praiseworthy given the many challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A testament to our teachers and students

He said: “We are extremely proud of our students and their achievements during what has been a challenging year for all.

“Fifteen of our courses saw 100% of students passing, and our overall achievement for all students is good.

“And 90% of our English and maths students passed with our high grades, 5-9, which is outstanding.

“It truly is a testament to our teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure learners have been supported throughout the year, academically and pastorally.

“Our results have been exceptional and we’re looking forward to seeing our students progress further.

“The ongoing development of our degree offer means that students can stay with us if they choose to, giving them a local higher education experience.

“We are here to support young people with their next steps and would encourage them to give us a call on 01423 879466, email contact@harrogate-college.ac.uk, or visit harrogatecollege.ac.uk.” 

Referring specifically to the college’s GCSE students, he added: “They have worked hard to provide the evidence for their grades, completing tasks such as mock assessments and mini tests.

“This is demonstrated in the achievement of high grades for Maths GCSE students, at 10.2% above the national rate, and GCSE English students, 1.2%. above the national rate.

“Well done to all and good luck for the future.”

New beginnings for adult learners

A number of adult learners were among the GCSE success stories at Harrogate this year.

Nicola Jeffreys is looking forward to moving onto an Access course after passing English and maths. She said: “This means everything! It’s a new beginning for me.

“I’ve always lived my life for my kids – now I can live for me.”

Jacob Ibbetson was also celebrating getting his maths and English GCSEs after narrowly missing out last year. He said: “I am so happy I passed. It is partly down to my English and maths tutors for encouraging me and sticking with me through lockdown.

“I can now go on to do an animal management course and get on with my career.”

Holly Rushworth, who didn’t get her GCSEs at school, was also celebrating passing English and maths.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve done it.

“I want to do radiography and passing my GCSEs gives me everything I need.”

Businesses are being offered a chance to help create the workforce they need – by joining the Harrogate College Employers’ Network.

The network will be launched on Thursday 21 October when some of the biggest names from the district’s business community, including Techbuyer, will be among the attendees.

Keen to support the local economy, the college wants to hear from local employers about the exact skills they need so that it can tailor its courses accordingly.

Principal of Harrogate College Danny Wild, who will be taking part on the day, said the aim of the new network was to deliver a truly employer-led curriculum.

Tailoring courses to match the needs of our community

He said: “We value the input of local employers and believe they should help shape our curriculum so they can access the skills and training they need now and in the future.

“That is why we are launching the Harrogate College Employers’ Network.

“This is an opportunity for employers to influence the content of our courses so that they get the skilled employees they need coming through.

“We are launching this network to serve and match the needs of our community and hope lots of local businesses will join up, contribute and reap the benefits.”

A multitude of benefits

Performance and Projects Coordinator at Harrogate College, Holly Hansen-Maughan, added: “The network will be an opportunity for employers to influence the content of the college’s courses so that they are provided with what they need.

“Joining involves participating in discussion groups quarterly and brings with it a multitude of benefits, including free advertising and promotion across the college’s media platforms and events.”

Network members will also get:

• Discounts on courses for their business
• The chance to explain the skills they need, and to provide feedback on training
• Invitations to stakeholder networking events
• The opportunity to recruit students directly into their business from the courses they helped to design

The initiative coincides with the Government’s drive to ‘level up’ skills across the country, as outlined in the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill.

A key part of the Bill, as outlined by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan, is to ensure that the education and training that is on offer ‘meets the needs of employers and local communities’.

TheHarrogate College Employers’ Network launch event will run from 10am to 1pm on Thursday 21 October and include a networking buffet lunch at noon.

For more details visit Events  or email: Holly.Hansen-Maughan@harrogate.ac.uk.

How do I receive my results? 

Results day at Harrogate College is fast approaching and we hope you achieve the grades you were aiming for. 

From week commencing 9 August, you will receive your results through your personal email address from 8am on the dates below. You can also drop into college on these dates to collect your results if you wish.

Level 3 results

• 10 August: 8.30am to 4.00pm

GCSEs and other levels

• 12 August: 9.00am to 4.00pm
• 13 August: 9.00am to 4.00pm

However, if we don’t have your email address, your results will be posted to you.

Coming into college

You are also welcome to collect your results from reception in college on the above times and dates.

We appreciate that you may want to talk to someone for advice on the day. There will be teachers and staff on hand to offer support in room AG22. 

If you are coming into college to collect your results, please make sure to wear a face covering and only attend with one parent or carer. 

Not got the grades you were expecting?

If you haven’t received the results you were hoping for, you can contact your teacher to talk about your options.

Questions?

If you have any questions about results day, please contact your teacher directly.

Take a look at how teacher-assessed grades will be calculated here.

You can also find out information on work experience, careers and industry placements on our Student Life intranet. 

Take a look at our Harrogate Student Life booklet, which has updates on what to expect next year, from sport and music to debating, art and much more.

‘Don’t miss the chance to play a part in Harrogate’s first ever Climate Action Festival!’

That’s the message from Harrogate College as preparations firm up for an event that aims to showcase the many different ‘solutions to climate damage’ that are being pursued by individuals, groups and businesses.

The inaugural Harrogate District Climate Action Festival (CAFé) takes place from October 1 to 23 and Harrogate College will play a key role by hosting the launch day on Saturday 2 October.

Sponsored by Techbuyer and entitled What Does the Future Look Like? the launch event is being run through the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition and will feature exhibitors from across the country.

Sign up for Climate Action Festival launch day

Harrogate College’s Performance and Projects Coordinator, Holly Hansen-Maughan, says lots of people have already signed up  – but there’s still time to get involved.

She said: “This festival will be a huge asset for the Harrogate District and play an important part in the wider drive to protect our environment.

“The event will raise awareness of climate change and the need for sustainability to be embedded into everything we do.

“The college wants to be at the forefront of helping to provide the skills that are required for the green economy and jobs of the future.

“That’s why we want as many people as possible, including charities, community groups and businesses, to come along to the launch event – which has been generously sponsored by local firm Techbuyer – and explore what the future looks like.”

An opportunity to make a difference

She added: “Please get in touch to secure an opportunity to network with other businesses, exhibit to the public and make a difference!”

The CAFé launch event and community action day runs at Harrogate College from 10am to 4pm on October 2 and will include a variety of hands-on demonstrations and talks celebrating achievements in the green economy.

To register send an email to Holly.Hansen-Maughan@harrogate.ac.uk.

The festival will also include a business conference, entitled Towards Net Zero Business and sponsored by Chameleon Technology, at Harrogate Convention Centre on 15 October. 

Businesses that wish to be involved can be directed to the relevant members of the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition by emailing Holly or visiting hdccc.info/climate-action-festival.

A variety of fringe events, including a Digital Sustainability Conference for Children, will also be held by businesses and community groups across the event’s whole three weeks.

Harrogate College has made becoming a Net Zero Carbon College one of its strategic priorities.

Harrogate College, a member of Luminate Education Group, has teamed up with partners across the Leeds City Region to host a series of free short courses for adults, as part of the national Festival of Learning.  

The group is working alongside local organisations and education providers to get adults in the region back into education, following the challenges of the pandemic. 

Now in its 29th year, the Festival of Learning (formerly Adult Learners’ Week) was launched to celebrate adult students and encourage others to participate in lifelong learning. 

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, said: “It’s fantastic to be part of a partnership that is putting adults at the forefront of the education agenda. It’s been a tough year with the pandemic and by bolstering our offer, especially lifestyle courses, we hope to boost adult wellbeing and confidence. 

“The Festival of Learning celebrates adult learning at all levels and stages of life; whether that’s developing a new skill, brushing up and updating knowledge or taking it to an advanced level.”

Yultan Mellor, Principal and Chief Executive at Northern College, added: “The festival is a superb opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the different expressions of adult learning across the region, including community, college, home and residential settings. Our collaborative activities aim to showcase the benefits of adult education, including flexibility, financial support, personalised experiences and positive wellbeing outcomes.”

As part of the Festival of Learning, adults will be encouraged to develop skills, enhance their employability and improve wellbeing through a range of taster sessions, residential days, virtual seminars and open days.

Set to launch in July, the Festival of Learning activities will kickstart with a Returning to Education: Support for Adult Learners webinar at University Centre Leeds on 20 July. Additional upcoming events include a Five Ways to Wellbeing Course at Northern College on 22 July.

Ann-Marie Spry, Vice Principal of Adults at Luminate Education Group, commented: “Adult education is central to the rebuilding of our economy in a post-Covid environment. Therefore, we are working with key stakeholders in the area to demonstrate how lifelong learning can better equip learners to adapt to unexpected change and enhance their skills, in order to suit the ever-changing job market.

“This partnership brings together experts across the region to identify how we can work together to achieve shared objectives to raise the profile of this vital agenda. Drawing expertise and insight from our partners helps us to understand the current climate, allowing us to overcome barriers to learning and champion adult education.”

In the next academic year, the partnership will be encouraging learners to take part in ‘Have a Go’ activities, providing adults with the opportunity to try different courses and discover their passion. Rebuilding relationships with the community will also be a key focus for partnership activities, including taster sessions in local community centres.

The education group, including Leeds City College, Keighley College, Harrogate College, White Rose Academies Trust and University Centre Leeds, is working with partners including West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, University of Leeds, The Prince’s Trust and Northern College, to deliver shared adult learning objectives.

Find out more about the Festival of Learning partnership by discovering our upcoming events here and following the hashtag #FoLpartners on social media.

A member of staff at Harrogate College has been shortlisted in this year’s national Green Gown Awards. 

Performance and Projects Coordinator, Holly Hansen-Maughan, is the only further education finalist in the sustainability champion category.  

The awards commend the exceptional green initiatives carried out by education institutions across the country, and have become established as the most prestigious recognition of sustainability best practice.  

Holly said: “It’s important that we all play our part in making our environment a healthier and greener space for all. As a college, we’re committed to serving our community and that is what inspired me to instigate a cultural change. 

“Over the past two years, the college has pledged to become net zero carbon, hosted climate cafes and allocated an area for gardening and planting. We’ll also be hosting the first ever Harrogate Action Climate Festival this October, which is very exciting.

“It’s great to see staff and students all coming together and making small differences every day that are contributing to a wider environmental impact.”

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, added: “As North Yorkshire leads the way in becoming the first carbon negative county in England, we’re proud to be embedding green sustainable practices into the culture of the college. 

“This recognition is testament to Holly and the staff and students’ passion for positive change and I’m looking forward to our upcoming events and initiatives.”

The Green Gown Awards ceremony will be taking place this November, where the winners will be announced.

Refugee Week is a UK festival that celebrates the resilience and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. It is a week-long celebration which centers around World Refugee Day on 20 June. 

Refugee Week was established in 1988 to help challenge the xenophobia and hostility refugees faced from society and the media. It is now a national initiative that works towards combating the negative stigma, educating communities about the valuable contributions of refugees and giving them a safe place to live. 

The annual celebration acts as a powerful platform for those to share their experiences and the challenges they face when seeking asylum. The week aims to create a safe place where communities can develop a better understanding of the issues that refugees face. It also offers an opportunity for people to be seen, listened to, and valued in their community.

Inclusivity is at the heart of the event, accompanied by activities and exhibitions which strive to bring everyone together to raise awareness of the history and challenges that refugees can face in their everyday lives. 

We Cannot Walk Alone

This year, the theme for Refugee Week is ‘We Cannot Walk Alone’. 

This theme stems from a speech delivered by Martin Luther King during the American Civil Rights Movement. However, the words still resonate with us today and relate to all aspects of our lives. 

The theme encourages us to walk side-by-side with each other by reaching out to someone new. It inspires us to connect with new people and learn something valuable from each other. 

Why not take part in Refugee Week Simple Acts inspired by this year’s theme? These are simple acts that we can incorporate into our everyday life to stand with refugees and make new, valuable connections. 

Events

Here are some ways you can get involved.

Whose Land? By Meduula

Meduulla, a Zimbabwean-born artist, poet and rapper uses her voice to raise awareness of the consequences of conflict with migration. This is an online event held on the 14 June. 

Find out more information here.

Guardian at 200: Humanitarian issues and the power of the media

The John Rylands Research Institute and Library holds the entire archive of the Manchester Guardian. This panel of special guests and experts will discuss items from the archive and how it could impact our future.

Home, Street, City: Finding Sanctuary in Wakefield

From 26 May to 19 June, this exhibition celebrates artwork made by people in Wakefield during the pandemic, exploring experiences and memories of their homes.

College activities

At Harrogate College, we will also be taking part in Refugee Week. We are committed to being inclusive and nurturing to everyone. We have been working with Harrogate District of Sanctuary to look out how we can improve to be even more welcoming to refugees.

Across the college there will be a creative competition around the themes of sanctuary in which students can participate in. Take a look at the competition poster for more information.
If you want any further information, please contact Megan Hawkswell.

We will be displaying these entries in St Peter’s Church in Harrogate during the week.

We will also be sharing stories from our students who have had experience being asylum seekers and refugees. If you’d like to share your story – please fill in this form https://forms.gle/ADRa7T2H6Am1TtMW7.

We will only share what you agree to being shared – it can be confidential and as much or as little as you like.

Harrogate Support Services 

If you’d like to get support, there are many local services available. 

St Mark’s Church welcomes refugees to Harrogate and collects donations to send to Syria.