Whether you’re helping your child settle in, plan their future or want to stay connected with college life – this is your hub for everything you need to know. Discover key dates, guidance and resources, all in one place.
Autumn Term
1st Sept 2026 – 23rd Oct 2026
College closure: 25th - 28th Sept 2026
2nd Nov 2026 – 18th Dec 2026
Spring Term
4th Jan 2027 – 12th Feb 2027
22nd Feb 2027 – 25th Mar 2027
Summer Term
12th Apr 2027 – 28th May 2027
7th Jun 2027 – 25th June 2027
Exam Dates 2026/27 - TBC
The Personal Development Programme is for all students at Calderdale College and plays a vital role in shaping confident, capable and well-rounded individuals.
It also builds employability by nurturing essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication that employers actively seek. It also supports wellbeing, strengthening mental health and resilience through opportunities to take part in social, creative and physical activities.
Personal development enhances learning by deepening subject knowledge and making education more engaging and meaningful beyond the classroom.
In addition, it can help to prepare students for progression by equipping you with the confidence and practical tools needed to pursue employment, apprenticeships or university pathways.
Above all, it develops the whole person, encouraging independence, cultural awareness, personal growth and active citizenship that enables you to contribute positively to their communities and future careers.
We encourage you to discuss this programme with your young person and support them as they engage with these new learning opportunities. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Safeguarding keeps children, young people and adults safe from a range of potential harm. It also involves preventing harm to students as well as reactive action of misbehaviour and maltreatment to ensure safety.
Calderdale College recognises that it has a statutory and moral duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults receiving education and training at the College.
It is the policy of the College to ensure that:
The College has detailed procedures to provide a clear direction to staff and the application of these procedures is mandatory.
Prevent is about supporting students and helping to prevent them from becoming involved in extremist or terrorist activities.
Radicalisation is when extremists get other people to join them in their extreme views, and push crime and violence as a way to support a cause. Stopping people from being drawn into extreme violence is something we can all help with.
At Calderdale College, we are proud of our inclusive, respectful community. Our staff treat everyone with professionalism and kindness, and we expect the same in return.
To help make sure every student is on track from the very start, we’ve introduced a new Early Intervention Policy. This ensures students and their parents/guardians understand our expectations early in the year and can take action quickly if there are concerns.
This is not something we ever want to do – but with thousands of students, it’s vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn in a positive and safe environment.
At Calderdale College, success comes from the simple 4 As:
Our tutors are committed to helping students achieve their potential, and many go on to outstanding careers. With dedication and the right attitude, your young person can have an incredible experience at Calderdale College.
An apprenticeship is a practical way to build a career while gaining valuable skills and earning a wage. Apprenticeships bring together expert guidance, professional experience and nationally recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeships are delivered at the following levels;
An apprenticeship is a partnership between the apprentice, the employer and the college. Each has an important role to play in helping the apprentice develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in their chosen career.
As the training provider, the college delivers the teaching and learning that supports the apprentice’s development alongside their day-to-day work. Apprentices receive high-quality off-the-job training, which is planned learning that takes place during their normal working hours. This training is designed to complement the practical experience they gain with their employer and is a mandatory part of every apprenticeship.
Depending on the apprenticeship programme, apprentices may attend college on a day-release basis, in block weeks, or through a blended or fully remote approach that is facilitated through online learning. During this time, apprentices will develop technical knowledge, practise industry-specific skills, complete assignments and projects, and prepare for the assessments required as part of their apprenticeship.
College tutors and assessors will work closely with both the apprentice and their employer to monitor progress and ensure the training meets the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. Progress reviews will take place at a minimum of every 10 weeks to provide an opportunity for employers, apprentices and the college assessor to discuss achievements, set new targets, identify any support that may be needed, and ensure the apprentice remains on track to complete their programme successfully.
Towards the end of the apprenticeship, the college prepares apprentices for their final assessment, which is carried out by an independent assessment organisation. This assessment confirms that the apprentice has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be recognised as fully competent in their occupation. The apprenticeship is not complete until the final assessment has been passed.
By working closely with employers, apprentices and parents or carers, the college helps ensure that every apprentice receives the training, guidance and support needed to build a successful and rewarding career.
APTEM is the online e-portfolio system adopted by Calderdale College. The APTEM system creates a learner record for every apprentice which supports them from the day they sign up through to the completion of their apprenticeship. Within APTEM, apprentices can access;
Through APTEM, apprentices, their employers and college staff can record and monitor progress against every stage of the apprenticeship journey.
Throughout their apprenticeship, apprentices should expect to receive:
A Paid Job
Apprentices are employees and are entitled to a contract of employment, a salary, paid holidays and the same workplace rights and protections as other members of staff. They should be treated as valued members of the team and given meaningful work that helps them develop professionally.
Structured Training and Development
Employers should provide opportunities for apprentices to gain practical experience that aligns with their apprenticeship standard. As apprentices progress, they should be given increasing responsibility and opportunities to apply what they have learned in the workplace.
Time for Off-the-Job Training
Employers must allow apprentices to complete their off-the-job training during their normal working hours. This may include attending college, online learning, workplace training, shadowing experienced colleagues, completing projects or participating in other planned learning activities that support their apprenticeship.
A Dedicated Workplace Mentor or Supervisor
Most apprentices will have a line manager, supervisor or workplace mentor who provides day-to-day guidance, answers questions, offers feedback and supports their development. Regular conversations help apprentices build confidence and monitor their progress. A workplace mentor or line manager is required to attend apprentice progress reviews with their apprentice and the college assessor – these take place at a minimum of every 10 weeks.
A Safe and Supportive Working Environment
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace where apprentices receive appropriate health and safety training, understand workplace policies and feel supported to ask questions and develop their skills.
Regular Progress Reviews
Employers work closely with the college and the apprentice to review progress throughout the programme. These reviews celebrate achievements, identify any challenges and ensure the apprentice is developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to complete their apprenticeship successfully. It is a mandatory requirement that tripartite reviews are completed throughout the apprenticeship and that apprentices know and understand how they are progressing and how they can further improve. Calderdale College schedules progress reviews at a minimum of every 10 weeks.
Opportunities to Grow
It is common that employers will encourage apprentices to continue developing throughout their programme by offering new experiences, increasing responsibility and opportunities to work with different colleagues or departments where appropriate. Many employers offer apprentices the opportunity to progress into permanent roles or further training once they have completed their apprenticeship.
The college offers a range of support services, including academic support, wellbeing services, careers guidance, digital learning resources and specialist learning support where required. These services help apprentices overcome challenges and achieve their full potential both in the workplace and in their studies.
Apprentice support needs are identified during the ‘On Boarding’ process which includes initial & diagnostic assessments, a skills scan and a discussion on their prior learning & learning needs. Progress & Support tutors engage with apprentices to provide support from the start of their apprenticeship.
Once on programme, if an apprentice thinks they may benefit from additional support, this can be highlighted as part of the initial & on programme reviews. Early conversations help to ensure that the right support is in place from the start, ensuring every apprentice has the opportunity to thrive.
We provide additional learning support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as learners with identified additional support needs. Support is tailored to each individual’s circumstances, helping students develop independence, confidence and the skills they need to achieve their goals.
At Calderdale College, the safety, wellbeing and welfare of every student are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where apprentices feel respected, valued and able to achieve their full potential.
All students have access to a range of support, including:
Prevent and Online Safety
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, the College promotes awareness of the Prevent duty, helping students recognise and challenge all forms of extremism and radicalisation. Students also receive guidance on online safety, healthy relationships, consent, and how to keep themselves safe both in college and beyond.
Students have access to a range of support, including:
Prevent and Online Safety
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, the College promotes awareness of the Prevent duty, helping students recognise and challenge all forms of extremism and radicalisation. Students also receive guidance on online safety, healthy relationships, consent, and how to keep themselves safe both in college and beyond.
Working with Parents and Carers
We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting young people. Where appropriate, we work in partnership with families to ensure students receive the right support while respecting their privacy and independence.
If there are concerns about a student’s safety or wellbeing, the College will take appropriate action in line with its safeguarding policies and, where necessary, work with external agencies to protect those at risk.
Reporting a Concern
Students, parents, carers and employers are encouraged to speak to a member of staff or contact the Safeguarding Team if they have any concerns about a student’s welfare. Every concern is taken seriously and handled sensitively, with the student’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of any action taken.
Please contact employers directly for matters relating to;
Please contact the college if you have queries relating to;
The college will seek to liaise with parents / carers of apprentices under the age of 18 in relation to matters which may include;
All of the above information will also be discussed with employers so that apprentices benefit from the full support of all parties.
If you ever need help, guidance or support for your child while they study with us, our Student Services team is here for you. You can contact our Student Services team by email at studentservices@calderdale.ac.uk or by phone on 01422 399 367.
With MyCalderdale, students can find everything they need to know about joining us, all in one place. Once they start their course, students will use the app to access their timetable and report any absences.
Inside the app, they can:
Parents/carers should encourage students to spend time on their coursework and to think about it as early as possible. You could discuss with the students the planning and timing of the work.
Parents/carers may provide their child with access to resource materials and discuss the coursework. However, you should not give direct advice on what should or should not be included.
A student who needs more specific help should be encouraged to speak to their tutor.
You can support with the ethical use of AI by being aware of how AI can and cannot be used. This will help prevent the risk of malpractice and therefore sanctions imposed by the awarding body on the student. Please click here for more information on AI use.
The work that students submit as an assignment must be their own. They must make sure that the final product/assessment is in their own words and isn’t copied or paraphrased from another source such as an AI tool, and the content reflects their own independent work. This ensures that a student can demonstrate their own knowledge, skills, and understanding required for the qualification, as set out in the qualification specification.
Any use of AI which means students have not independently demonstrated their own attainment is likely to be considered malpractice and can incur sanctions from the awarding body.
You can easily reach the college by bus or train — use the map below to plan your journey and see the best route for students.
Halifax Bus Station is approximately a 20-minute walk from campus, and Halifax Train Station is similarly within walking distance.
For bus travel, services such as 542, 587 and 592 stop near Parkinson Lane / King Cross, just a few minutes’ walk from the college.
If driving, we have 3 FREE car parks available on site.
