Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

What Heart of Yorkshire Education Group does

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is a UK further education college group formed on 1 March 2022 through the merger of Selby College and Wakefield College, with Castleford College as the third campus. It operates across the Yorkshire & the Humber region from bases in Wakefield (headquarters at Margaret Street), Selby and Castleford, serving 10,000+ students in 2024–25 with a combined teaching and support headcount of 930+ staff and disclosed combined turnover of £36 million. The Group traces its heritage to 1868 through Wakefield College.

The Group delivers education using traditional classroom, workshop and blended online delivery models, offering 458 courses across multiple learner segments. Its portfolio spans school leaver programmes (A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses, Foundation Learning), adult learning (Basic Skills, Access to HE, Free Courses for Jobs, Skills Bootcamps, professional qualifications from AAT, CIPD, CMI and ILM), apprenticeships at Levels 2–6 (1,577 apprentices taught in 2025), and higher education through a University Centre validated by Leeds Beckett University, University of Hull and University of Huddersfield. Facilities include a £35m-invested Selby campus with an automated industry 4.0 engineering workshop, plus specialist centres for creative industries, digital industries, performing arts and an award-winning training restaurant.

Revenue is generated principally through government further education funding administered via DfE, WYCA and YNYCA, apprenticeship levy co-investment from employers, tuition fees for 19+ learners (with Advanced Learner Loans available), and fees for professional qualifications. Students aged 16–18 are typically fully funded, and adults may access free courses subject to eligibility criteria. The Group is governed as an independent further education institution under UK FE funding regulations, with no disclosed private equity, parent company or public market listing.

Name

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Legal name

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Website

https://heartofyorkshire.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is a UK further education college group operating three campuses across Yorkshire (Castleford, Selby, Wakefield). It delivers 458 courses spanning school leavers, apprenticeships, higher education and adult learning, serving 10,000+ students with combined turnover of £36 million.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further Education

NAICS

Junior Colleges (611210), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Urban/Metropolitan Community Colleges (EDAHADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG), Undergraduate Teacher Education Colleges (EDAHAFAA)

Keywords

• Further education services
• Vocational training programs
• Higher education courses
• Apprenticeship delivery
• Adult learning qualifications

Headquarters

HQ city

West Burton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Further Education: Primary revenue stream from government funding bodies (DfE, WYCA, YNYCA) for educating 16-18 year olds and eligible adults. Funding eligibility assessed individually based on circumstances, residency, and prior qualifications.
2. Tuition Fees (19+ Students): Fees charged to students aged 19 and over for various courses. Some courses fully funded for eligible learners. Advanced Learner Loans available for 19+ students to help pay course fees.
3. Apprenticeship Levy: Revenue from employers and government co-investment for apprenticeship delivery across Levels 2-6. Apprentices earn minimum wage while learning.
4. Professional Qualifications: Fees for professional body qualifications including AAT, CIPD, CMI, and ILM accreditations offered to adult learners and employers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is a UK further education college group operating three campuses (Castleford, Selby, and Wakefield Colleges) plus a University Centre, delivering T Levels, A Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships (Levels 2-6), adult learning, and higher education programmes. The Group offers 458+ courses validated by partner universities and professional bodies, with significant workplace-based and online delivery in addition to on-campus provision. It serves school leavers, adult learners, apprentices, and employer customers across the Yorkshire & the Humber region.

Product overview

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is a further education college group formed from the merger of Selby College and Wakefield College in March 2022, operating three colleges (Castleford College, Selby College, and Wakefield College) alongside a University Centre. The group offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs including School Leaver Courses (T Levels, Vocational Courses, A Levels, Foundation Learning), Adult Learning (Basic Skills, Professional Qualifications, Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs), Higher Education (degrees validated by partner universities, Higher Technical Qualifications), and Apprenticeships (Level 2-6 across multiple industries). The offering functions as a unified educational institution with multiple delivery channels rather than a software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Castleford College Castleford College delivers vocational qualifications, T Levels, Apprenticeships, and part-time adult and professional courses in subjects including Childcare, Construction, Engineering, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, and Motor Vehicle. Located just off the M62 in Castleford, the college serves school leavers, adult learners, and apprentices.
• Selby College Selby College provides further and higher education for students aged 16 to 70+ across A Levels, T Levels, Vocational Courses, Apprenticeships, Higher Education, Adult Learning, and Professional Courses. The campus features an automated Engineering facility with Industry 4.0 equipment, state-of-the-art construction facilities, a high-tech IT laboratory, and industry-standard beauty salons. The college achieved a 99% overall A Level pass rate in 2025.
• Wakefield College Wakefield College provides further and higher education including A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. The Wakefield city centre campus includes the Creative Industries Centre, Digital Industries Hub, School of Popular Music, Performing Arts Theatre Mechanics, and the award-winning Gaskells Restaurant. The college achieved a 98% overall A Level pass rate in 2025.
• University Centre The University Centre delivers degree-level courses validated by Leeds Beckett University, University of Hull, University of Huddersfield, and Pearson, including Foundation Degrees, Full Honours Degrees, HNCs/HNDs, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), Top Up Degrees, and Teacher Training. Programmes are delivered across the Group's three campuses. 96% of HE students are in employment six months after graduating.
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) Level 4 and 5 technical qualifications developed in partnership with leading employers in Construction, Computing, and Engineering, offering practical, employer-focused study programmes as an alternative to degrees or apprenticeships.
• Professional Qualifications Accredited qualifications from AAT (Accounting), CIPD (Human Resources), CMI (Management), and ILM (Leadership & Management) offered as flexible training programmes for adult learners and workforce development.
• Skills Bootcamps Flexible training courses for those aged 19+ in industries including Carbon Capture and Storage, HGV driving, and heat pump systems. Provides a guaranteed job interview for unemployed participants.
• Access to Higher Education Full Level 3 qualifications equivalent to A Levels, enabling adults over 19 to progress to university-level study. Recognised by UK universities with options for Advanced Learner Loans. 100% of Access to HE students receive university offers, 90% progress to university.
• Apprenticeships Earn-while-you-learn programmes from Level 2 to Level 6 across industry areas including Engineering, Construction, Health & Social Care, Business, and Hospitality. Duration ranges from 1 to 4 years with day release or block release options. 1,577 apprentices were taught in 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% of HE students in employment 6 months after graduating
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Leeds Beckett UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity validation partner for Higher Education qualifications. Degrees awarded include BA/BSc (Hons), FdA, FdSc, HNC, HND programmes validated by Leeds Beckett University.
• University of HullcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity validation partner for Higher Education qualifications. Collaborative provision with documentation and support for students.
• University of HuddersfieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity validation partner for Higher Education qualifications offered through the University Centre.
• PearsoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarding body for BTEC and other vocational qualifications across the Group's course offerings.
• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body partner for accounting qualifications including AAT Level 2-4 courses and apprenticeships.
• CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body partner for HR qualifications. CIPD Foundation Certificate People Practice offered with opportunity for membership.
• CMI (Chartered Management Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body partner for leadership and management qualifications including awards, certificates, and diplomas.
• ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body partner for leadership and management qualifications for team leaders and managers.
• DraxmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner employer for Skills Bootcamp in Carbon Capture and Storage. T Level employer providing industry placements and career pathways for students aspiring to work at Drax's BECCS plant.
• SiemensmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDFN Project SEARCH internship employer partner. Young people with EHCP intern at Siemens facilities, with Linden achieving dream of working with trains.
• Lambsons Building ProductsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner for Heat Recovery & Transfer training programme. Employees John and Toby upskilled through the programme.
• Viamaster Transport LimitedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApprenticeship employer partner providing Business Admin Apprentice opportunities in transport and logistics industry.
• ADM Milling LimitedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApprenticeship employer partner providing Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship at their Knottingley facility.
• Security Solutions (Northern) LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApprenticeship employer partner providing Apprentice Field Engineer positions field-based across Yorkshire.
• Cd Quinn LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApprenticeship employer partner (Land Rover Adventure) providing Level 2 Autocare Apprenticeship specialising in Land Rover and Range Rover service and repair.
• Pinderfields Hospital (Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerT Level Health placement provider offering industry experience in Respiratory Medicine, A&E, and spinal injuries departments for students Michaela and Nancy.
• Children's UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity partnership working with schools to develop a love of learning in children through the School Partnerships programme.
• Outwood Academy FreestonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool partnership customer providing School Link curriculum and alternative curriculum programmes. Year 11 Learning Manager Amanda Clawson provides testimonial.
• Think PacificminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership provider for Fiji residential trip combining Animal Care and Travel & Tourism students in a three-week project.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bradford College: West Yorkshire FE college delivering vocational, A Level, apprenticeship, and HE provision to a similar demographic. Direct competitor for school leavers and adult learners in the Yorkshire region.
• Barnsley College: South Yorkshire FE college offering apprenticeships, T Levels, A Levels, and higher education with comparable student volumes. Operates in an overlapping catchment with Heart of Yorkshire's Selby and Wakefield campuses.
• York College & University Centre: North Yorkshire FE college offering A Levels, vocational programmes, apprenticeships, and higher education validated by partner universities. Direct competitor in Selby College's catchment.
• Hull College: East Yorkshire FE college delivering vocational, A Level, apprenticeship, and HE programmes across Hull and the East Riding. Comparable further education college model with similar course mix.
• Calderdale College: West Yorkshire FE college delivering vocational, A Level, apprenticeship, and HE courses. Smaller-scale direct peer with overlapping curriculum portfolio and Yorkshire catchment.
• Luminate Education Group (Leeds City College): West Yorkshire-based further education college group offering A Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and higher education. Closest geographic and scale peer with similar multi-college group structure.
• DN Colleges Group: Multi-campus FE group in South Yorkshire (Doncaster, North Lindsey) offering similar further education, apprenticeship, and higher education provision. Comparable multi-college group structure.

Regional players

• Middlesbrough College (Education Training Collective): North East England FE college delivering vocational, apprenticeship, and HE programmes with industry 4.0 and digital specialisms. Comparable model but operates outside Heart of Yorkshire's primary Yorkshire catchment.

Broad incumbents

• LTE Group: UK's largest FE provider operating multiple colleges and training brands nationally (including Manchester College). Larger-scale incumbent in the same further education category with broader geographic footprint.
• NCG (Newcastle College Group): Multi-college further and higher education group operating across the North of England. Larger-scale incumbent with similar further education business model and multi-campus structure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heart-of-yorkshire-education-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Heart of Yorkshire Education Group