Author: Rahel Abegas

Over the past week, our budding bakers have been busy in the kitchen, preparing a range of homemade treats ready to sell as part of the holiday club activities. From mixing ingredients to decorating their creations, the young people have demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork every step of the way.

To get the fundraising started, they put their entrepreneurial skills into action by running a bake sale for staff, visitors and supporters throughout the building, which included:

• Hand-designing marketing material to put around the building to notify and attract customers
• Aesthetically positioning the goodies strategically on the platters
• Maintaining good food hygiene etiquette by wearing gloves whilst handling food
• Using their numeracy skills to handle cash transactions

Alongside their own baking preparations, the sale featured a delicious selection of treats kindly donated by supporters, helping to create a tempting display that proved popular with customers.

The bake sale offered more than just an opportunity to raise funds. It also gave the young people the chance to develop valuable life skills, including customer service, communication, teamwork and handling money. From serving customers with a smile to managing sales and keeping the stall stocked, they embraced every aspect of running a successful fundraiser.

They managed to raise £98 in just 2 hours! Every penny raised will help Fresh Futures continue supporting children, young people and families across Kirklees, making a real difference in our local communities.

Catherine McKenzie, Head of Children and Family Services at Fresh Futures, said:

“I’m really pleased to see how successful the bake sale has been and how well it’s been supported by our local community. The children have gained some great skills taking part in the event and built their confidence, which is fantastic to see and one of the key goals of our HAF clubs that we run during school holidays. Roll on next week!”

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Proposed reforms to England’s education system have sparked discussion across the sector this week, with plans to give young people more opportunities to combine academic learning with technical and vocational pathways from the age of 14. The proposals would also see schools working more closely with employers to help pupils gain relevant skills and experience for the careers available in their local area.

At Fresh Futures, we believe this reflects something we have known for a long time: there is no single route to success.

Every young person has different strengths, interests and aspirations. While traditional academic pathways work well for many, others thrive when learning is tailored to their individual needs, supported by practical experiences and connected to real-world opportunities.

The proposed changes would allow pupils to combine core subjects such as English, maths and science with technical education routes linked to local employment opportunities. Young people would also have opportunities to spend time with employers and gain valuable workplace experience. The reforms are expected to begin operating from September 2028.

For organisations like Fresh Futures, the recognition that different pathways deserve equal value is a positive development. We know that when young people are supported to find the route that is right for them, engagement improves, confidence grows and outcomes can be transformed.

Personalised support already delivering results

Across our education provision, we work with young people who may have struggled in mainstream settings or who require additional support to achieve their potential.

At Brian Jackson College, our alternative provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, personalised learning sits at the heart of everything we do. The college supports pupils who have often experienced barriers to education and provides tailored academic, pastoral and personal development support designed around individual circumstances and ambitions.

This approach was recognised in the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, published in June 2026. Inspectors described Brian Jackson College as a place where “leaders and staff have built a peaceful space where pupils thrive” and noted that pupils access a “highly inclusive environment”. They also highlighted leaders’ “unrelenting ambition for every pupil” and found that pupils are “well-prepared for their next steps in education, employment or training”

The report further praised the school’s strong personalised support, highly effective pastoral care and the positive academic and social progress achieved by pupils.

Inspectors recognised how young people are supported to develop into confident, resilient and respectful individuals, ready for the next stage of their lives.

Looking ahead

As discussions continue around the future of education, Fresh Futures hopes to see continued recognition that success looks different for different young people.

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of Fresh Futures, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, but there is no one-size-fits-all route to achieving that success. We welcome the growing recognition across the education sector that young people benefit when pathways are shaped around their individual strengths, interests and ambitions.

“At Fresh Futures, we see every day how personalised support can transform outcomes. Our experience shows that when young people are given the right environment, the right encouragement and access to pathways that make sense for them, they develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed to thrive.

The most important thing is that all young people are able to access high-quality opportunities that help them move positively into education, employment or training, whatever path they choose.”

The national conversation about education reform will continue in the coming months, but Fresh Futures believe that one principle should remain at its heart: young people achieve their best when they are recognised as individuals and supported to follow pathways that are right for them. Fresh Futures has long championed that approach, and we look forward to continuing our work helping young people build brighter futures.

A huge congratulations to our five incredible fundraisers who took on the Tough Mudder Yorkshire challenge!

From steep climbs and epic obstacles to plenty of mud along the way, each participant pushed themselves to the limit and showed amazing determination. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🔥

Not only did they conquer one of the toughest challenges around, but they also helped raise vital funds to support disadvantaged children, young people and families across Kirklees. 💙

We are so proud of everything they achieved and grateful for the difference they’re making in our community.

Please join us in celebrating their fantastic achievement! 👏👏👏 and support if you can on their fundraising page.

If you think you have what it takes to do the Tough Mudder challenge, look out for places opening soon so you can represent us down the course at next years event!

Watch how it went below:

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The award follows a comprehensive assessment process which found that the college is successfully embedding mental health and wellbeing across all eight areas of the School Mental Health Award framework. Assessors praised the college for its strong culture, leadership and commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the entire college community

Following our incredibly positive Ofsted Report earlier this month, we are delighted to continue the recognition for Brian Jackson College by announcing this Award.

The verification report described Brian Jackson as a “warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe” college where leaders are highly visible and accessible, students are friendly and engaged, and a strong sense of belonging is fostered through the college ethos, “This Is What We Do Here.”

A particular strength identified by assessors was the college’s approach to staff wellbeing. The report highlighted year-round wellbeing and performance conversations, protected weekly wellbeing time for staff, peer recognition initiatives such as the Mug of the Week, and access to confidential support through the Wisdom app for both employees and their families.

The assessor concluded that Brian Jackson College had demonstrated effective practice across every area of the framework and stated that they had “no hesitation” in recommending the college for the award. School leads were commended for approaching the accreditation with “energy, commitment, and genuine pride” in what the college provides for its learners and staff.

Jacqui Green, Headteacher of Brian Jackson College, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Bronze School Mental Health Award. Mental health and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything we do at Brian Jackson College, and Fresh Futures, and this accreditation recognises the dedication of our staff, the voice of our students and the strong sense of community that we have built together. Following our highly positive Ofsted outcome, this is another wonderful endorsement of the caring, inclusive and ambitious environment we provide for our young people. We look forward to continuing to build on this work and ensuring that wellbeing remains a priority for everyone in our college community.”

The report also confirmed that mental health and wellbeing will remain a permanent feature of the college’s ongoing improvement plans, ensuring that support for students, staff and families continues to evolve and respond to emerging needs.

This latest achievement further reinforces Brian Jackson College‘s commitment to helping every young person thrive academically, socially and emotionally, while providing a workplace culture where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to do their very best.

Fresh Futures is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of our dedicated runners who recently took part in the Lindley 10K, raising over £900 to support children, young people, and families across Kirklees.

On race day, our team laced up their trainers and joined hundreds of participants for the popular community event.

The fantastic total raised will contribute towards the support services, opportunities, and programmes that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and families throughout Kirklees. Every donation helps us create brighter futures and ensure that local people can access the support they need when they need it most.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the run, as well as the friends, family members, colleagues, and supporters who donated, encouraged, and cheered our runners on along the route. Your generosity and support made this achievement possible.

Congratulations to every member of the team on completing the challenge. Raising over £900 is a fantastic achievement, and every mile really has made a difference.

Brian Jackson College, part of Fresh Futures, has received a highly positive Ofsted inspection, with inspectors highlighting its strong safeguarding culture, inclusive environment and commitment to helping young people achieve positive futures. 

Inspectors recognised the college’s success in supporting young people who may have struggled in mainstream education, noting that pupils make positive progress from their starting points, develop confidence and resilience, and achieve well academically, particularly in communication, language and mathematics.  

The report also highlighted the personalised support available to learners, including mentoring, tailored learning pathways and daily guidance, helping them re-engage with education and build the skills needed for future success.  

Preparing Young People for the Future 

A Positive and Respectful Environment 

Ofsted found that relationships between staff and pupils are characterised by mutual respect and support, contributing to a positive culture across the college. Inspectors noted that bullying is rare and not tolerated, and that pupils feel safe, included and respected.  

The report also recognised improvements in attendance, highlighting the work leaders undertake with families to help overcome barriers to learning and encourage young people to re-engage with education.  

Strong Leadership and a Commitment to Improvement  

Fresh Futures Welcomes the Findings 

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of Fresh Futures, said: 

“We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the dedication of our staff and the excellent progress and commitment to making a positive future for our pupils and their dedication to the journey they have taken. This report reflects our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive environment where every young person can thrive and build a strong foundation for future success.” 

Read full report here 

Fresh Futures is a West Yorkshire-based charity that works with children, young people and families through education, skills development and community support programmes. The organisation says the inspection outcome reinforces its commitment to helping young people develop the confidence, resilience and determination to fulfil their potential. Brian Jackson College is one of the many services delivered by the charity to help support young people from across West Yorkshire. 

Open Day

We are running an Open Day to showcase our facilities on 21st October in Heckmondwike and we’d be thrilled if you would like to join us to find our more about our alternative education provision.  You can sign up by visiting: Brian Jackson College Open Day . Spaces are limited so please don’t hesitate to sign up today!

At Fresh Futures, we are passionate about supporting growth – not only in the young people we work with, but within our own team too.

That’s why we’re delighted to celebrate Deonne, our young adults engagement officer, who has been recognised with the Adult Student of the Year Award for her achievements in Coaching and Mentoring from Calderdale College.

As the lead of elevate, Deonne is dedicated to helping young people realise their potential. Through her work, she empowers young people to build confidence, develop skills, overcome challenges, and take meaningful steps towards their future.

Already an inspiring mentor and advocate for young people, Deonne chose to further strengthen her skills through a Coaching and Mentoring programme. The course focused on supporting personal development, improving performance, and helping individuals identify and achieve their goals.

Her award is a testament to the dedication she brings to both her own development and the support she provides to others. The skills gained through the course will further enhance the incredible work she is already doing through elevate, creating even more opportunities for young people to thrive. Whilst also being an incredible role model.

Congratulations, Deonne! Your passion, commitment, and belief in young people make a real difference every day, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate your success. 🌟

As we move into the warmer months, the garden will continue to grow and evolve. Flowers will bloom, plants will flourish, and, most importantly, the space will be filled with life – children playing, young people connecting, and families enjoying time together.

As the seasons change, the garden will also begin to provide fresh produce grown right on site. From strawberries, melons and pumpkins to herbs like mint and sage, the space will offer hands-on opportunities for children and young people to learn about growing their own food. Whether it’s planting seeds, watching something grow or tasting what they’ve helped nurture, this adds another layer of learning, creativity and connection to nature – bringing the garden to life in a truly meaningful way.

We can’t wait to see it in full use!