School Leavers

Are you a young person who is about to leave, or has recently left school?

Castleford College provides an exceptional learning environment for students studying vocational qualifications. Located just off the M62, and a five minute walk from Glasshoughton train station, the campus has excellent public transport links to Castleford, Pontefract and Wakefield.

We understand that coming to college is about more than just learning and that’s why we are committed to creating an environment where our students can grow and thrive both academically and personally. What’s more, our highly-qualified, friendly and supportive staff will be there to support you every step of the way during your time with us.

Which path will you take?

T Levels

T Levels combine classroom theory, practical learning and minimum of 315 hours industry placement.

Vocational Courses

If you have a specific career in mind, or prefer practical ways of learning.

Apprenticeships

Combine on-the-job training in the workplace with an employer and study at College.

Foundation Learning

A mix of vocational study, tasters and English and maths.

Careers Explorer

Find a job by sector or find careers based on your interests.

Study Programme

Support

You’ll have personal and group tutorials (called Goals) with your tutors, as well as further support from our highly skilled and dedicated team as needed.

Study Programme

Work Experience Placements

Every student at College has the opportunity to undertake meaningful work experience activities during their time at College.

Study Programme

NAVIGATE

Activities and experiences to develop skills through trips, visits, guest speakers, volunteering, enrichment, clubs and societies.

Study Programme

English & Maths

You’ll continue to study English and maths until you achieve a GCSE 9-4. This will be timetabled to fit in alongside your course.

School Leaver Courses

Alternative Provisions
Automotive
Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies
Construction
Engineering
Foundation Learning
Hair & Beauty
Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

Alternative Curriculum

Start Date: September, October or January

The King’s Trust Team Programme - Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills

Start Date: September, January or May

Entry 3 Motor Vehicle

Start Date: September

Level 1 Motor Vehicle Studies (Body Repair)

Start Date: September

Level 1 Motor Vehicle Studies (Motorcycle)

Start Date: September

Level 1 Motor Vehicle Studies (Multi Skills)

Start Date: September

Level 2 Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies (Body & Paint)

Start Date: September

Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Principles

Start Date: September

Level 2 Motor Vehicle Studies (Mechanics)

Start Date: September

Level 2 Motorcycle Maintenance

Start Date: September

Level 3 Motorcycle Maintenance & Repair Principles

Start Date: September

Level 1 Childcare & Early Years

Start Date: September

Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner

Start Date: September

T Level Education and Early Years

Start Date: September

Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery

Start Date: September

Level 1 Certificate in Bricklaying

Start Date: September

Level 1 Certificate Plastering

Start Date: September

Level 1 Construction Multi Skills

Start Date: September

Level 1 Electrical Installation

Start Date: September

Level 1 Plumbing

Start Date: September

Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery

Start Date: September

Level 2 Electrical Installation

Start Date: September

Level 2 Plastering

Start Date: September

Level 2 Plumbing

Start Date: September

Level 2 Technical Certificate/Diploma in Bricklaying

Start Date: September

Level 2 Technical Occupation Entry Maintenance Operations Diploma

Start Date: September

Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Electrical Installation

Start Date: September

T Level Technical Study Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Start Date: September

Level 2 Engineering Operation Skills (Fabrication & Welding)

Start Date: September

Level 2 Engineering Operation Skills (Mechatronics)

Start Date: September

Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Mechatronics)

Start Date: September

Get SET – Employment Focused Study Programme

Start Date: September

Vocational Options, Tasters and Employability (VOTE)

Start Date: September

Level 1 Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Sector

Start Date: September

Level 2 Beauty Therapy (VRQ)

Start Date: September

Level 2 Hairdressing

Start Date: September

Level 2 Women’s Hairdressing (VRQ)

Start Date: September

Level 3 Beauty Therapy Techniques (VRQ)

Start Date: September

Level 1 Foundations of Health and Childcare

Start Date: September 2026

Level 1 Health & Social Care

Start Date: September

Level 2 Health & Social Care

Start Date: September

Level 3 Technical Social Care

Start Date: September

Castleford College Facilities

State-of-the-Art Learning Facilities

We have first-rate learning facilities, ensuring that our students have the training and knowledge to operate industry standard equipment when they progress to their chosen career.

Castleford College Facilities

Enrichment Activities

When students want to wind down and enjoy their lunch breaks, they have access to multiple enrichment activities including the College's very own pool table.

Castleford College Facilities

Support Services

As a College, we take pride in our student support services. Our reception welcomes student queries all day round.

Castleford College Facilities

Study Areas

The College has study pods where our students can study independently or with friends in their own time. These are designed to be sound dampening so students can work peacefully.

Castleford College Facilities

On-site Starbucks

At Castleford College, there is a coffee shop on the first floor serving hot and cold food and drinks, including Starbucks coffee, for students and staff. There is also a large seating area for students to enjoy their food and drink, socialise and study.

School Leaver Prospectus

Meet Our Students

This course is preparing me for the future because I want to own my own nursery that specialises in young children with SEND.

Casey

Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies

I really recommend the T Level in Childcare & Education because you get experience working with children and learn a lot of practical skills.

Freya

Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies

My advice to other girls wanting to get into Engineering is to just do it. Don’t be shy, be confident.

Devon

Engineering

You learn something new on the course everyday – I get to use different machines and tools such as lathes, pilar drills and all the safety equipment.

Waleed

Engineering

I really enjoy the Health & Social Care course because the tutors and people in my class are supportive.

Jessica-Leigh

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

My dream job is to be a Health & Social Care Teacher so I’d like to study at university after College.

Tamika

Health, Social Care & Wellbeing

I chose to study this T Level course because of the direction it could lead me in because of the work placement hours that give you lots of work experience.

Oskar

Construction