Information for Parents & Carers
Whilst at College
As a student, your child/ward will benefit from high-quality teaching, excellent facilities and a wide range of activities, trips and events that enrich learning beyond the classroom. College offers a more independent environment than school, encouraging students to develop self-motivation, confidence and practical skills alongside their studies.
We provide a strong bridge between school and higher education or employment, and we value working in partnership with parents to ensure every student achieves their best and makes the most of their time with us.
Coming to College is more than just a course. All of our students enrol onto a Study Programme, which includes the main qualification and a range of other activities to prepare them for the future.
If your child/ward didn’t achieve A*-C (or new grade 9-4) at GCSE for English or Maths they will study this alongside their main qualification.
We also provide GOALS (pastoral curriculum programme), NAVIGATE (personal development, enrichment and employment related opportunities), Employability and Enterprise, online learning and Higher Education, Ambition and Transition (HEAT).
We aim to develop independence in our students, but we also recognise that young people might need some support along the way. We have dedicated teams of student experience staff and our Student Central support services. Each College is led by a Local College Director and we have services which include a financial support team, pastoral tutor team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience support leaders, activity leaders, wellbeing officers and of course, the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their tutors.
Your Child/Ward’s Progress
After enrolment, you’ll get a Parents’ Welcome Pack. You’ll then have plenty of opportunities to come into College and meet tutors through meet and greet nights and parents’ evenings to discuss your child/ward's progress and what they are doing in College. But, if there is anything you would like to discuss about their course, please contact us.
Various learning platforms to support your child/ward can be accessed in College or from home.
Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform utilised by curriculum groups to support your child/ward on their study programme.
Students also utilise Moodle as the platform to access details relating to MyJourney (their student record) timetables, events and activity in College.
Support for Child/Ward
Whilst we develop independence in our students, we also recognise that young people need support in many ways. We have dedicated teams of staff to support students in all areas of their lives. These include a financial support team, pastoral team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience managers, sports activators, mentors and of course, the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their subject tutors.
Our student support services are staffed by professionals who have a wealth of experience, and all students are encouraged to take advantage of the support on offer. Our student support services were also highly praised in our last Ofsted report.
Support in and out of class by assistive technology or adaptation by tutors.
As part of their Pastoral Tutor Group, students will develop academic, personal and employability skills which will both enhance their overall College experience and improve their prospects for progression.
Information on careers, higher education and the jobs market to help prepare your child/ward for their next steps.
Dedicated Student Experience Managers are located at each campus and ensure that all students are given the best learning experience in both their subject areas and the campus environment.
Key Dates
Meet and Greet - you will be invited you to a Meet and greet evening at the end of September, when you can meet your child/ward's teachers and find out more about what they are doing in lessons.
Progress Report - in December you will receive your child/ward's progress report detailing how they are doing on their course.
There will be Higher Education, Jobs and Apprenticeships fairs available to attend.
Term Dates
Castleford College & Wakefield College
Academic Year 2026 - 2027
| Autumn Term 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Classes | Monday 7th September 2026 | Friday 23rd October 2026 |
| Half Term | Monday 26th October 2026 | Friday 30th October 2026 |
| Classes | Monday 2nd November 2026 | Friday 18th December 2026 |
| Spring Term 2027 | ||
| Classes | Tuesday 5th January 2027 | Friday 12th February 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 15th February 2027 | Friday 19th February 2027 |
| Classes | Monday 22nd February 2027 | Thursday 25th March 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Friday 26th March 2027 | Friday 9th April 2027 |
| Summer Term 2027 | ||
| Classes | Monday 12th April 2027 | Friday 28th May 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 31st May 2027 | Friday 4th June 2027 |
| Classes | Monday 7th June 2027 | Wednesday 7th July 2027 |
| Closure Dates 2026-27 | ||
| Curriculum Development Day | Wednesday 21st October 2026 | |
| Curriculum Development Day | Monday 4th January 2027 | |
| Curriculum Development Day | Wednesday 24th February 2027 | |
| Curriculum Development Day | Thursday 18th March 2027 | |
Selby College
Academic Year 2026 - 2027
| Autumn Term 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Classes | Monday 7th September 2026 | Friday 23rd October 2026 |
| Half Term | Monday 26th October 2026 | Friday 30th October 2026 |
| Classes | Monday 2nd November 2026 | Friday 18th December 2026 |
| Spring Term 2027 | ||
| Classes | Tuesday 5th January 2027 | Friday 5th February 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 8th February 2027 | Friday 12th February 2027 |
| Classes | Monday 15th February 2027 | Friday 19th March 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday 22th March 2027 | Monday 5th April 2027 |
| Summer Term 2027 | ||
| Classes | Tuesday 6th April 2027 | Friday 28th May 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday 31st May 2027 | Friday 4th June 2027 |
| Classes | Monday 7th June 2027 | Wednesday 7th July 2027 |
| Closure Dates 2026-27 | ||
| Curriculum Development Day | Wednesday 21st October 2026 | |
| Curriculum Development Day | Monday 4th January 2027 | |
| Curriculum Development Day | Wednesday 24th February 2027 | |
| Curriculum Development Day | Thursday 18th March 2027 | |