Whether you want to be a mechanic or make music: work in plumbing or performing arts: construction or catering, we have courses for people of all interests, ages and stages at Calderdale College.

Our college offers a wide variety of ways to learn, with many different options for qualifications and pathways to suit you, wherever you are in your educational or career journey.

You can expect to have the opportunity to study subjects such as hair and beauty, health and social care or construction and more at 16-18 years’ old, but did you know that we also offer access and degree courses at our University Centre, T Levels and apprenticeships, as well as a range of free courses for adults looking to return to education or further their careers?

Study at Calderdale’s College 

We currently have over 4000 students across our training programmes. Our long history in Halifax has allowed us to establish a network of industry contacts which has created life-long partnerships with over 500 employers, and we were named the best college in West Yorkshire for student success, based on the latest National Achievement Rate Tables for 2022/23. This allows for lots of project-based learning and access to businesses and work experience.

We deliver courses for the following key industry sectors:

– Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing

– Construction

– Health, Life Science and Education

– Creative Industries

– Business and Professional Services

– Digital

Our main campus is at Francis Street, Halifax, but we also deliver motor vehicle courses at our Automotive Centre, in Halifax, and engineering at our Brighouse Engineering Centre. Educational sport partners include; Halifax Panthers, FC Halifax Town, Bradford Dragons Basketball Club, Calderdale Clubs and Halifax FC Women. Our students have the chance to train as part of an academy team alongside their full-time course.

Most importantly, there’s the flexibility of our courses – for example degrees have a maximum of two study days each week and a variety of maintenance loans and bursaries are available to help you with your finances.

Age doesn’t matter

Calderdale College is the largest provider of further education (post-16) in Calderdale, giving everyone the opportunity to acquire the skills to progress. If you are aged 19 or over, financial help is available to support you throughout your course, helping to fund equipment, travel and childcare costs.

If you missed out on getting qualifications when you were younger, then it is never too late to make your dreams happen! Access courses can help bridge those gaps, as they are designed to give you the UCAS points to progress to a degree-level course after only one year of study. Intensive courses in areas such as Health, Art & Design and Social Sciences are available at the College and prepare adult students for study as an undergraduate.

Around 90% of applicants successfully gain a place at university upon completion of their diploma. As well as day-to-day support with studies and learning, Calderdale College offers a wide range of advice and guidance for students. We have a dedicated team to support with student finance and careers advice, as well as provide counselling services. There is the learner support fund for those experiencing financial difficulties, advanced learner loans for students studying a Level 3 or above, student loans to help cover the costs associated with higher education and the Care to Learn scheme – to support with childcare costs during your course.

New this year 

Mill Studios is a brand new, state-of-the-art gaming and media centre which will open at Dean Clough this September. The hub will bring the very latest technologies in film and TV production and gaming to support young people with entering high-paying roles in the Creative Industries. From Esports to Games Design and T Level Media, Broadcast and Production, these hands-on courses could see you turn your gaming passion into a career.

Learn and earn 

Gaining skills and qualifications can open doors to more jobs and provide opportunities for personal development and career progression. And there are is a wide range of courses for over 19s that are absolutely free including animal care, early years, health and social care, sport, counselling, teaching, understanding autism and more. Find out more here.