John Scahill, Pre-Construction Manager at BAM, said: “We are using the same design team behind our previous scheme for the Trust, and we have well-established strong working relationships in place with all the partners to create these vibrant new facilities. This is an excellent basis to work from.”
The building is just one part of the planning work going on behind the scenes. The new college will offer roughly 50 different courses, with more A-levels than any other provider in the Bradford region. Ensuring that the curriculum offer matches the needs of Bradford’s young people and its industries is an essential part of the planning process.
“It is great news for the young people of Bradford,” said Stuart Nash, Principal Designate of New College Bradford. “They will now have the opportunity to study at a sixth form college offering over 30 A level and 15 vocational BTEC courses, taught by specialist post-16 teachers. The College will have a strong focus on STEM subjects such as engineering, maths and the sciences, all of which will help students access HE courses and careers in these subjects. Our students will also benefit from our wrap-around, pastoral care, which means that from the start to the end of the day, all their needs will be met in a secure, contained environment.”
The project team are also working hard at building relationships with groups from across Bradford. As well as being involved in key projects such as the Telegraph & Argos Education Awards, the Trust held a Partners’ Dinner in Bradford City Hall this month, providing an opportunity for the Trust’s senior staff to meet education specialists, councillors and community leaders from different faith groups.
Forming close working partnerships with other schools in Bradford has also been a key area of work. Staff from the Trust have visited many schools in the city, talking to students at assemblies and attending open events and parents’ evenings. Senior figures from across Bradford’s schools have welcomed the additional provision that New College Bradford will offer, including Carol Dewhurst, CEO of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust.
“We are really pleased to welcome New College Bradford in to the city as an exciting extension to the sixth form offer for our young people. Due to the scale and size of the college, New College will be able to offer a broad and high quality curriculum which will ensure maximum choice for our students as they take their first steps in post 16 education.”