The Sunday Times released their 29th edition of the Parent Power Schools Guide last Friday, ranking Greenhead College as the 10th best among all state funded Sixth Form Colleges in the UK, and the highest ranked Sixth Form College in the North of England.
The rankings are based on exam results data from 2017-2019, due to the impact the pandemic had on how grades were assessed in 2020/2021.
The guide comes just months after the government announced their ambitious plans to drive the levelling up agenda, to improve opportunities for young people right across the country.
Greenhead College was the only northern college to make the top 10, with 27 of the top 75 colleges overall being from the north.
Simon Lett, Principal at Greenhead College commented:
“I am thrilled that Greenhead College is once again one of the Top 10 best-performing Sixth Form Colleges in the country.
It’s significant that Greenhead is the only college on the list in the north of England, highlighting the need for young people to have improved opportunities in all parts of the country.”
Greenhead College’s Believe and Achieve programme plays a pivotal role in raising aspirations for its young people regardless of their socioeconomic background. The college maximises opportunities for all students to succeed and progress in their chosen career pathway with its carefully designed programme. Students receive bespoke advice when applying for widening participation schemes with its partner universities, plus a tailored tutorial programme to broaden their skillsets.
A former Greenhead College student who was successful of a place on the ‘Access to Leeds’ scheme said:
“Access to Leeds came to visit us at Greenhead College, which is where I found out about the scheme. My tutor then helped me with my application. Had I not chosen to leave my high school to study at Greenhead College, I probably wouldn’t be doing this now!”
We are delighted to reveal that Stuart Strathdee, Chemistry Teacher at Greenhead College and Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commissioner, and Danyaal Malik , A2 Student and Chair of the Student Association, are heading to Glasgow to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Two further students Ashleigh Jones (A1) and Holly Randle (A2) are also participating remotely.
Danyaal, Holly and Ashleigh will join fifty year 10-13 students from across the UK who will act as the collective voice of UK schools. While Holly and Ashleigh are participating remotely, Danyaal is travelling to Glasgow and will join a panel discussion on the Role of Young People in Climate Solutions, organised by the Departments for Environment and for Culture, Media and Sport, as part of Youth and Public Empowerment Day.
They will be attending as part of the UK Schools Sustainability Network, an organisation of youth environmentalists from across the country who collaborate on new green initiatives and ideas to implement in schools. Danyaal has been selected as one of approximately 20 students from across the UK to attend the conference in Glasgow, and hopes to see real change and dialogue taking place during his time there.
Whilst in Glasgow, Danyaal and Stuart will be participating at a showcase in the Green Zone of COP26 where there will be different stands, each focussing on a specific area related to climate change. They hope to attract other delegates and activists to the stands to discuss and raise awareness of various issues.
We are also extremely proud that Danyaal has also been selected as one of only a few students across the UK to have the opportunity to enter the Ministerial Blue Zone. This is a highly prestigious area of COP26 as it is where the World Leaders gather and the main negotiations and speeches take place. During his time in the Blue Zone he will be participating in a number of events alongside the Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi MP as well as the WWF, Bear Grylls and Educational Charity ‘Students Organising for Sustainability’.
This is an incredible opportunity for Danyaal and Stuart, who hope to meet with as many Ministers as possible to promote the cause whilst gathering key information and developing strategies to support Greenhead College, and also schools and colleges across the country, in tackling climate change.
Simon Lett, Principal at Greenhead College has commented:
“I am thrilled that Stuart and Danyaal will be representing Greenhead College at this important international event. Their participation at COP26 will enable them to inform the College community and regional networks both during and after the event, and I look forward to hearing about their experience.”
Commenting on what he will bring back with him from the conference, Danyaal said:
“I hope post-COP, I will be able to utilise the key messages and information I’ve taken from the conference back to College so we can further discuss and set out our aims for a greener campus.”
We can’t wait to hear more about their once in a lifetime experience!
16th September 2021 saw our A Level Art Exhibition finally return, albeit on a smaller scale than usual. The college invited its A2 leavers to return and celebrate their outstanding achievements with their families, friends and staff members, following its cancellation back in June.
The Art students have faced two extremely difficult years, and online learning has been far from ideal for creative courses. Despite this, the students have stayed positive in the most testing times, and their resilience and ambition has shone.
Head of Art, Rachel Lumb commented:
We are really proud of the work they have produced under such testing conditions and how they have shown such independence and ambition. It has certainly been an extraordinary first year for me at Greenhead but these students have really pulled me through with their joy and resilience. Staff have worked particularly hard to ensure students have achieved their very best and we have all loved working with this group of students so much.
We welcome you to watch our Art Exhibition via video and our online gallery below:
Greenhead College is thrilled to report outstanding achievements by its students in their A Levels this summer.
This year, the A-E pass rate was 99.8%, with 89.8% of grades awarded A-C and 71.8% of grades A*-B.
72 students achieved 3 or 4 A* grades when taking 3 or 4 A Levels, achieving A* in every subject. 303 students achieved 3 or 4 A* or A grades when taking 3 or 4 A Levels, achieving A* or A in every subject. 1171 Students took 3 or 4 A Levels.
Greenhead College Principal, Simon Lett, said:
“We are extremely proud of all the work and achievements of our students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure students are able to progress to higher education, apprenticeships or employment, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
Following the national cancellation of exams, A Levels were awarded through a process of Teacher Assessed Grades which were approved and awarded by the examination boards. The government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year due to the varying impact of the pandemic.
Greenhead College will be one of the first Colleges in the country to receive significant capital investment to improve its facilities as part of a major building programme announced by the Government on 5 February 2021.
The College has been working with the Department for Education to plan significant improvements to the current estate. This will involve replacing Biology and Chemistry facilities with brand new laboratories and classrooms. The investment will also see increased social and dining space for students.
Principal Simon Lett said:
“Greenhead College is the top-performing provider of A Levels in the local area and one of the best Sixth Form Colleges in the country. We are thrilled the Government has chosen our College for this investment which will ensure our students continue to receive outstanding teaching and pastoral care in modern, state-of-the art facilities.
“We are currently working with the DfE and contractors to explore the scope for further development of the site. This would allow additional students to attend the College in future years in response to the significant increase in the 16-18 year old population in Kirklees over the next 5 years. This is a really exciting development for the College.”
Greenhead College students have been receiving their A Level results today following the unprecedented cancellation of this summer’s exams.
College Principal Simon Lett said:
“I’m very pleased that the hard work of our students over the course of their A Level studies has been rewarded with such good results. Clearly both staff and students were disappointed that students were unable to sit their exams as planned. However, this year’s calculated grades will help many of our students secure their first choice destination in higher education, training and employment.
“Overall, the majority of our students appear to have received the grades we would have expected. However, we are seeing some instances where the grade awarded to a student is lower than both their teachers’ predicted grade and their mock exam results. In these cases we are working with students to ensure they can progress successfully to the next stage of their education and training.”
He added: “I’d like to thank parents and carers, and our superb staff for the dedicated support they have given our students throughout their studies, and wish our students the very best for the future.”
The College has a team of staff on hand today and into next week to offer its students careers advice and pastoral support both online and in person.
40 students from Greenhead College, Huddersfield are celebrating as they receive offers to study at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Universities to read a range of disciplines including Medicine, Engineering, Law, Languages, Economics and Fine Art. Greenhead consistently sends more students to these world top universities than any other school or college in the region and this year is no exception.
The state funded Sixth Form College is highly sought after, with students travelling to Huddersfield from as far as Dewsbury, Wakefield, Barnsley and Oldham to receive the first class education and support the college offers.
Its continued Oxbridge success comes from a comprehensive support programme comprising of masterclasses, interview workshops, presentations by admissions tutors, residential visits, practice admissions tests and most of all, hard-working, dedicated students.
L-R Myra Haq, Moor End Academy, Laurence Malsom, Honley High, Charlotte Layfield, Kettlethorpe
Charlotte Layfield who came to Greenhead College from Kettlethorpe High Shool, Wakefield received an offer to read History at Selwyn College, Cambridge has commented:
“Even though Greenhead is not my local college I am more than happy to travel for the outstanding education it has given me. I was drawn in by Greenhead’s reputation for excellence and have not been disappointed. In addition, the Oxbridge support I have received has been invaluable; the teachers really know their stuff and it’s made the process so much less stressful. I really couldn’t have done it without them.”
Among the successful applicants, 14 students came from local schools in Huddersfield comprising of 5 from Honley High School, 5 from Shelley College, 2 from Holmfirth High School, 1 from Moor End Academy and 1 from King James School.
Myra Haq who came to Greenhead College from Moor End Academy has been offered a place to read Asian and Middle Eastern studies at Newnham College, Cambridge. Myra said:
“I have always wanted to develop my study of the Arabic language and Middle Eastern culture, to be offered the opportunity to do so at the University of Cambridge is so surreal and certainly an honour. Gaining a sense of intercultural awareness in such a globalised society is so important and I’m sure it will open up a whole new world of opportunities for me!”
Laurence Malsom was one of 5 successful applicants who came to Greenhead from Honley High School and has been successful of a place to study Medicine at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. He commented:
“The support provided at Greenhead has been second to none, in both academic and in pastoral and extra-curricular activities. They truly push you to the best of your ability and support all decisions you make. Extra workshops, visits to university, experienced staff and volunteering opportunities all really supported my application and made it the best it could possibly be. I’m very pleased with my offer and I am grateful to the many people that supported my application. Greenhead has done nothing but encouraged and supported my career goal of being a Doctor.”
A recent article published by the Telegraph revealed data showing the schools and colleges which send the highest number of pupils to each of the Oxbridge Colleges and Greenhead College, Huddersfield came featured as one of the top providers for four of these Oxbridge Colleges. These were Churchill College, Cambridge, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Selwyn College, Cambridge and University College, Oxford.
Simon Lett, Principal at Greenhead College commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled that 40 of our students have been offered a place to study at either Oxford or Cambridge. Our Oxbridge support programme is unrivaled in terms of the support it offers students in preparing for their application and interview. They receive bespoke support from Greenhead staff, access to a range of activities both in College and externally, and support from visiting academics and speakers. The net result is that we always get a wide range of offers. This is also a real testament to the amazing talents of our students who work hard and have high aspirations.”
A Happy New Year and Happy New Decade to all our current and future students, and their parents and carers.
This winter term is one of the busiest we’ve ever had at Greenhead College and this online newsletter aims to highlight a few key events, opportunities and sources of information to look out for.
Prospective applicants
It was great to meet so many prospective applicants at our recent open events and during a large number of school assemblies throughout the autumn term. For those of you currently in year 11 wishing to apply to the College, a reminder that our deadline date for applications is Friday, 7 February 2020. It is best to obtain guidance from your school as regards how to apply to Greenhead. Many schools use the new ‘Get Into’ platform for applications; alternatively you can apply via our website.
A further reminder that we have our third – and final – open event on Thursday, 30 January 2020, from 5.30-7.30pm. This event was originally scheduled to take place in November but was postponed due to bad weather. This is a great opportunity to talk to current students, teachers and look at our facilities. I will be giving a talk at 6.30pm – it would be great to see you all there.
In the meantime, can I express my support to all current year 11 students as they prepare for their final exams. I want to wish the year11s all the very best during what will be a very demanding few months. Remember to think big and aim high, and take advantage of all the support networks that are available: peers, family, teachers, personal tutor, Head of Year, learning support staff, careers staff and counsellors.
A2 mock exams
In College we are preparing for one of our big milestone events of the year – the mock exams for A2 students, which will run from 24-28 February 2020 (inc.). Could I please remind students to look at the exams briefing which is on Moodle. This was the PowerPoint presentation that our Examinations Manager went through at the recent assembly. Her slides also cover information about the formal exams which start in May 2020.
Our A2 students are now on the home straight to their final exams. There is a real plethora of support available in College, starting with teachers and personal tutors. These staff are available for continual academic and emotional support. In addition, students should use the study time on their timetable to keep up-to-date with work and use resources such as the study area and the library. Our study centre offers bespoke support on a range of issues, including time management, revision and essay writing: students are encouraged to contact staff in the study centre directly or speak to their personal tutor. We also have our counselling service which is of great benefit to many students. Could I emphasise to students and their parents and carers that support is always available. Our staff, including teachers, personal tutors, the learning support and careers teams, College counsellors, and the senior team, are here to help with any matter of concern. Our doors are always open.
Options @ 18 Fair
Another important date in the College calendar is our annual Options @18 Fair, which this year is going to run on Thursday, 13 February 2020 from 4.00-6.00pm. This promises to be our grandest and most ambitious fair ever, with over 90 organisations coming to Greenhead, including a mixture of employers and universities. This is an event not to be missed!
Enrichment
One of Greenhead College’s major strengths is the exciting range of extra-curricular activities available to students. Enrichment for term two starts on Monday, 27 January 2020. These activities form part of the ethos and culture of Greenhead: not only are they fun and enjoyable to do but they allow students to stand out from other candidates when applying for employment or to university in the future.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
One of Greenhead’s ‘crown jewels’ is the Extended Project Qualification, which students undertake around two-thirds into the first year and complete about half-way through their second year. A highlight of the course is the EPQ Showcase. The photograph accompanying this newsletter was taken at our latest event which was a superb encapsulation of students’ achievements. It gave them an opportunity to discuss their work with peers, parents and carers, teachers and Governors. This year we had such a disparate display of work – our largest and most impressive display ever!
College information
Could I remind all students to check their emails on a daily basis to ensure they are up-to-date with key messages concerning life in College. Students will find it useful to read the daily bulletin – this contains information on forthcoming College events, not to mention job vacancies and careers information. Parents and carers are advised to log onto Cedar to track their son/daughter’s progress.
A warm welcome to Greenhead College to all our new and returning students, and their parents and carers. I hope everyone has an excellent start to the autumn term.
The beginning of the academic year is always extremely busy and this online newsletter aims to highlight a few key events, opportunities and sources of information to look out for.
College information
Could I remind all students to check their emails on a daily basis to ensure they are up-to-date with key messages concerning life in College. Students will find it useful to refer to their student planner which contains a wealth of information, including the term dates for the year. There is also a parents’ information section on our website providing information on topics such as term dates, the College day, exams, financial matters, and progress monitoring.
Enrichment
One of Greenhead College’s major strengths is the exciting range of extra-curricular activities available to students. This is a reminder to all our new first year students that enrichment sampling week and enrolment starts this week, with activities commencing on Monday, 16 September. I would encourage all students to sign up to as many enrichment activities as possible. Not only are they fun and enjoyable to do but they will allow you to stand out from other candidates when applying for employment or to university in the future.
Heritage Open Day event
Greenhead College is proud to be hosting a free event on Thursday, 19 September at 5.00pm as part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture. Open to everyone, this event will encompass a presentation and workshop by 17-year-old Emily Brierley, National Youth Ambassador for the Mindfulness in Schools project, and second-year student at the College.
In this session Emily will be talking about her experience of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, the ways in which she has changed her relationship with trauma and used mindfulness meditation to help her see the best in humanity after being exposed to the very worst. She will also explain how this life skill has helped to alleviate her own anxiety.
Additionally, Emily will be talking about people she has been able to help using the same tools that helped save her and how this work has led to her becoming the first National Youth Ambassador for MiSP (a national charity bringing mindfulness into education). She will be giving a presentation on how mindfulness and meditation can benefit you directly by helping with physical issues as well as mental health.
Emily trained as a meditation teacher last year. Throughout this session you will also have the opportunity to be guided through some short meditations, so you can experience them for yourself. Emily will leave you with tips for moving forward and give you some tools that will hopefully help you in day-to-day life to tackle any problems you might be facing.
Parents’ information evening (first-year students)
We have an information evening for parents and carers of our new first year students on Tuesday, 24 September at 7.30pm. The event will cover two main topics: firstly, how we fulfil students’ potential through high quality teaching and pastoral support and secondly, information about practical matters such as tutoring, enrichment and careers advice. Please note that parking is limited on our main site.
Latest examination results
2019 was another excellent year for A Level results: the overall pass rate was 99% (national average 97.5%), with 62.2% of grades at A*-B at A Level (national average 51.1%). These were superb results, reflecting students’ high aspirations, hard work and commitment. Our former students will shortly be progressing to the next phase of their education and training, including degree courses at top-performing universities, higher-level apprenticeships and employment. In particular, 33 students successfully progressed to Oxbridge universities, which is a staggering achievement. I would also like to thank parents and carers, and our magnificent staff for the steadfast support and guidance they gave our students.
Support available
Finally, could I emphasise to students and their parents and carers that support is always available. Our staff, including teachers, personal tutors, the learning support and careers teams, College counsellors, and the senior team, are here to help with any matter of concern. Our doors are always open.
Greenhead College has once again achieved outstanding A Level results. Having topped the published A Level performance tables for Sixth Form Colleges in Yorkshire, Greenhead has sustained its success in 2019.
The overall pass rate is 99.0% with 84.2% of all grades at A*-C and 62.2% at A*-B at A Level. 197 students gained A*/A in 3 or 4 subjects, with 33 students gaining A* across the board.
These top grades have enabled many students to secure their first choice destination in higher education, training or employment. In particular, 34 students* have met their offer to study at an Oxbridge university.
College Principal, Simon Lett said:
“Our students have achieved amazing results this year and we send our best wishes to them for their future success and wellbeing. I would also like to thank parents and carers, and our superb staff for the dedicated support they have given our students.”
Congratulations, Class of 2019!
*number subject to increase.
Sophie Allan (A Levels AAB) going on to study at The London College of Fashion
Harriet Sowerby (A Levels AAB) will be training to be a Primary Teacher at York St John University
Lucy Stirland (A levels BBC) will be starting a Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management at Morrisons
Holly Bailey-Taylor (A Levels BDD) will be studying Marine Biology at Salford University
Eleanor Hurdley (A Levels A*A*A*) going on to study Medicine at Keele University
Andrew Hopkins has gained a fantastic A*A*A*A in his A Level Chemistry, Economics, Maths and Further Maths. He is very happy to have secured his place at Durham University to study Mathematics.
Nazih Taher (A levels A*A*A* ) will be going on to study Medicine at Sheffield University
Azan Arshad (A levels A*A*AA) will be studying Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University
Lucy Stirland (A levels BBC) will be starting a Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management at Morrisons
Benji Rowlands achieved A*A*A*A*A* in A* in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and French. He has secured his place at St John’s College, Cambridge, to read Natural Sciences.
Julian Warner-Levy achieved A*A*A in Biology, Chemistry and Maths!
Holly Barnard achieved ABBB in EPQ, Biology, Chemistry and English Literature.
Zainab Lookman (A Levels A*AAA in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics)
Paulina Poterlowicz (A levels AAA in Biology, Chemistry, History)
Zainab and Paulina have become great friends during their time at Greenhead College and are now both going to be studying Medicine at Hull York Medical School.
Umair Afzal achieved grades ABB in A Level Chemistry ,Biology and Maths, and secured his place at Leeds University to study Dentistry.
Martha Hughes secured a place at Oxford University to study Medicine, and after gaining A*A*A in her Biology, Chemistry and Maths A levels.
Rebecca Sketcher is looking forward to studying Medicine at Leeds University after gaining A*A*A in her Biology, Chemistry and Maths A Levels.
