About the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Results & Achievements
Ofsted Inspection
We’re rated ‘Good’ and ‘Strong’ by Ofsted
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group was praised by Ofsted for its ‘Strong’ contribution to meeting regional and national skills needs, with the Group receiving a ‘Good’ grade for every aspect and overall.
16 Ofsted inspectors carried out a full inspection of the Group’s three Colleges – Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College. The Group received the highest grade of ‘Strong’ for its efforts in developing a responsive curriculum which addresses skills gaps in the local, regional and national economy.
Following consultation with local employers and civic and education partners of the Group, Ofsted praised the Group for the highly effective relationships it has built with a variety of stakeholders - enabling it to have an excellent understanding of skills needs across a wide range of industries.
The Group was rated ‘Good’ across all four provision types and all four key judgements, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes of students, effectiveness of leadership and management and personal development.
Our Board of Governors, Executive Team and colleagues across the Group are delighted with the result and are incredibly proud of our staff, students and the quality of provision delivered here at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. The report confirms the vital role the Group plays in developing the skills strategy for the region and beyond, which is preparing our learners with the knowledge and behaviours to successfully progress into prosperous careers. Andrew McConnell OBE
Chair of Governors at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
National Achievement Rate Tables
Top FE College in Yorkshire & the Humber
The Group ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges in the Department for Education’s 2024/2025 National Achievement Rate Tables, also securing fifth place nationally.
The Group also achieved fourth place regionally for its apprenticeship achievement rates, demonstrating its strength across further education and skills training.
This recognition highlights its commitment to delivering high-quality education, supporting every learner to succeed and helping students progress into careers, apprenticeships and further study.
These results are a true reflection of the dedication and care shown by our staff, who go above and beyond every day to help our learners succeed academically, grow as individuals and move forward with confidence into their next steps. Sam Wright
Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Achievement Rates
Class of 2025
The Class of 2026 delivered another outstanding set of results across the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, with students progressing to leading universities including the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, Newcastle University and more, whilst others have secured apprenticeships, employment and further study opportunities.
Selby College students achieved an impressive overall pass rate of 98% across all programmes, with 35.3% securing top grades of A*, A or B. The College's A Level provision achieved a 97% pass rate, with 10 A Level subjects recording a 100% pass rate.
At Castleford and Wakefield College, students achieved a 100% T Level pass rate across all programmes.
Wakefield College also achieved a 98% pass rate across all programmes, including its A Level provision, with 32.6% of students attaining top grades of A*, A or B.
Achieving another strong set of results across our A Level and technical and vocational programmes is a fantastic achievement. We are particularly proud of the high grades secured by so many of our learners, reflecting their hard work, dedication and ambition, as well as the commitment of our staff, who go above and beyond to support every learner. Sam Wright
Principal and Chief Executive at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Class of 2026 Achieves Exceptional Results at Castleford College and Wakefield College
Outstanding results are being celebrated at Castleford College and Wakefield College, where the Class of 2026 achieved a 100% T Level pass rate and a strong 98% A Level pass rate.
Selby College Celebrates Outstanding Class of 2026 Results
Students at Selby College are celebrating another year of exceptional results, with the Class of 2026 achieving an overall pass rate of 98% across all programmes.
Castleford College and Wakefield College are celebrating exceptional results.
Top Grades, top destinations: Selby College’s students shine
Selby College is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of its Class of 2025.
Selby College celebrates outstanding results
Selby College is celebrating the fantastic achievements of its class of 2024, with its A Level programmes achieving an outstanding 99.5% pass rate.
Selby College A Level students celebrate outstanding results
A Level students from Selby College are celebrating after the class of 2023 delivered another strong set of results.
National Student Survey
The 2025 survey results
The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is celebrating a strong performance in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), with results showing it has outperformed the national higher education sector average in key areas.
The University Centre recorded significant progress across teaching quality, learning opportunities, academic support and assessments – exceeding national benchmarks across a range of areas.
Over 94% of students stated they were satisfied with the academic support they received, surpassing the sector benchmark of 89%.
More than 90% of students also reported they were happy with the teaching on their course, with many highlighting how their studies helped them build essential knowledge and skills for the future.
It’s fantastic to see such strong engagement from our students in this year’s National Student Survey, and even more rewarding to see the University Centre achieve such outstanding results. Steve Mulligan
Head of Higher Education at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Industry & Peer Recognition
The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has ranked third in Yorkshire for higher education student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey (NSS).
Group Secures Number One Spot in FE College Achievement Rates in the Region
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges, also securing fifth place nationally.
From Bronze to Silver: Group Excels in National Diversity Accreditation
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity.
Group’s careers services praised with Matrix accreditation
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been awarded the Matrix standard for its Careers Guidance and Course Information services.
College wins local business award for student recruitment campaign
Selby College has been awarded the Marketing Excellence Award at the prestigious Goole & Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards 2025.
Group achieves Investors in Diversity accreditation
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been awarded the Investors in Diversity accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity.
Group acknowledged with multiple College Marketing Network Awards
The marketing efforts of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group were recognised on a national scale as part of the College Marketing Network’s FE First Awards.
Group wins Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year Award
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group was named as the Training Provider of the Year at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024
Group wins Yorkshire Learning Providers Award
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been recognised by the Yorkshire Learning Providers Awards for its efforts in helping the region develop the green skills for future demands.