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Tag: #BrianJacksonCollege

Local MP Visits Fresh Futures’ Post-16 Provision

Posted on by Aimee Webb

On Friday 14th February, Iqbal Mohamed, MP for Dewsbury and Batley, visited the newly opened Brian Jackson College Post-16 Provision in Heckmondwike. The visit provided an opportunity for Mr Mohamed to meet with both teachers and students at the College, which opened its doors in October 2024. 

During the visit, he was presented with a hand carved box containing scrolls written by the students about their personal journeys and why the Post-16 is making a difference in their lives and their ambitions for the future.

A group of professionally dressed individuals, smiling at the camera, in a classroom setting.
Iqbal Mohamed and staff from Brian Jackson College

The Post-16 Provision has received overwhelmingly positive feedback since it opened, and the support from the local MP further reinforces the value provided to the students, their families, and the wider community.

Designed to offer a tailored educational experience for students aged 16-18, the provision aims to align with each individual’s unique interests, needs, and future aspirations.

The college offers students the opportunity to gain vocational qualifications alongside crucial life skills and work experience, enabling them to take their next step on their pathway towards adulthood. The highly trained staff, passionate about their fields, bring a wealth of knowledge to the students.

A group of people in a workshop, one man in overall explains something, gesturing to a car part, with two students and another man watching.
The mechanics workshop at Brian Jackson College

Additionally, the provision provides onsite access to essential support services, including counselling, career advice from external specialists, and enrichment sessions that give students a taste of the working world.

Iqbal Mohamed reflected during the visit:

“Firstly, I just want to say a massive thank you to the staff, and to Rhys and Kieran for their invitation, I experienced a brilliant warm welcome, and tour around. Staff are doing doing a fantastic and amazing job that changes lives for all these young adults – it’s incredible, thank you very much!

Being prepared for life can be daunting and complicated, but if you stay grounded and focus on being the best human you can be, you’ll acquire many important skills along the way. There are others facing the same or even more difficult challenges, so never hesitate to seek help and always be ready to offer help to others.

Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, and when something is offered to you, take it with both hands!”

A blue pool table, two people are playing with one person leant over the table, taking a shot while the other person watches them
Iqbal playing pool with a Brian Jackson College student

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive, continued

“Everyone at Fresh Futures is exceptionally proud of our new Post-16 offering.  We offer holistic support and a safe space to young people who would struggle to thrive in a more traditional education environment. By providing vocational qualifications as well as building life skills and confidence, we are giving the young people who attend our provision the stepping stones they need to move on towards a positive destination that is right for them.”

This inspiring visit highlights the importance of the Brian Jackson College Post-16 Provision in shaping the future of young people in the local area and Fresh Futures is excited to continue on our journey of developing our support for young people in the future.

Can You Offer Our Post-16 Students a Work Placement?

Posted on by Aimee Webb

Within Fresh Futures, we operate three alternative education provision colleges for students who do not thrive in mainstream education.

The colleges are in Huddersfield and Heckmondwike, with the Heckmondwike provision housing the first post-16 centre that was opened in October 2024.

Our post-16 provision is designed to provide a bespoke educational experience that aligns with each student’s unique interests, needs and aspirations for the future.

Highly knowledgeable staff, alongside offering on-site counselling and career advice, aid in ensuring students are ready for work by the end of their time with us.

A teacher is helping a student complete a sheet of work.
Student studying at Brian Jackson Post-16 College

Sam, the Construction Teacher at the post-16 provision, said “I am passionate about ensuring young people are knowledgeable and prepared to work in the industry”.

What is offered at the post-16 provision currently?

The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills across different fields while ensuring they have a solid foundation in essential academic subjects like Maths and English.

By offering vocational courses such as hairdressing, construction, and food technology, we cover a variety of interests, giving students the flexibility to focus on their strengths and career aspirations.

How can you help?

To enrich the students learning further, we are keen to provide work placement opportunities for the students.

Work placements can really help bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students the chance to develop hands-on skills in a professional environment.

We are currently looking for work placements in the following settings:

Car Garages

Students interested in motor vehicle maintenance can get hands-on experience with vehicle repairs and customer service.

Building Suppliers

Those pursuing construction skills could gain insight into materials, logistics, and supply chain management in the building industry.

Care Homes

Students interested in healthcare or care work would get exposure to patient care, hygiene practices, and the day-to-day operations in a care setting.

Shops, Food Banks

These placements could teach students about customer service, stock management, and community support roles.

Restaurants, Cafes

Ideal for those studying food technology so they can learn about food preparation, safety standards, and the service industry.

Schools, Nurseries

Perfect for students interested in education, childcare, and social care, helping them gain experience working with children and learning support.

National Highways

Students interested in infrastructure or construction can work on large-scale projects related to roads and transport.

Pharmacies, Medical Centres, Dental Care

Students pursuing healthcare or medicine could get valuable experience in patient interaction, administration, and basic medical practices.

One student is sat on a chair in front of a mirror, whilst another student stands behind and dry's her hair with a hairdryer.
Student in the hair and beauty classroom at Brian Jackson Post-16 College
An organized workshop with a long workbench, mounted tools, safety gear, and a cement mixer in front, supported by stacks of bricks and blocks
The construction classroom at Brian Jackson Post-16 College

If I take on a student, what can I expect?

Throughout the placement we will ensure that students are supported while also gaining invaluable experience in a real-world setting. Having regular contact from a staff member is key to addressing any questions or concerns you or the student might have, making the experience more enriching.

You would not be required to pay the students as you’re helping prioritise learning and development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and organisations to get involved in supporting the community and helping young people build their careers.

If you can support our post-16 students or you have you a new placement opportunity please do get in touch with Lauren Barber-Harrison on [email protected] or call 01924 408 306.

Fresh Futures Open the Doors of the Brian Jackson College Post-16 Provision

Posted on by Lynne Haigh

Fresh Futures proudly operates two alternative provision colleges that offer a safe haven for students who’ve found that mainstream education isn’t the right fit and may be facing exclusion.

Located in Huddersfield and Heckmondwike, our colleges are dedicated to supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health challenges, giving them the tools they need to succeed. 

We’re absolutely delighted to have launched our very first post-16 provision in Heckmondwike at the end of October! At Brian Jackson College, our mission is simple: to create a nurturing, motivating environment where every student can flourish.

Our new post-16 offering is designed to provide a bespoke educational experience that aligns with each student’s unique interests, needs, and aspirations for the future. 

Jenny Netherwood, Head of Post-16 commented:

“I am delighted to introduce myself as the Head of the brand-new Post 16 provision at Heckmondwike. The provision will have an official opening later this term and staff are busily preparing for the arrival of the first ever set of learners!”

What Can You Expect from Our Post-16 Vocational Hub? 

Our vocational hub offers an exciting range of opportunities. Every student is assigned a personal tutor who they’ll meet with daily, ensuring they always have the support they need.

The College boasts large, welcoming spaces to both study and socialise, creating a genuine sense of community. Our staff, highly trained in their respective fields, are passionate about sharing their knowledge.

Plus, we offer on-site access to counselling, career advice from external specialists, and enrichment sessions that provide a real taste of the working world. 

Entrance to the Vocational Hub at Brian Jackson College, featuring a red sign on a stone wall and green-framed glass doors with security notices.
the entrance to the post-16 centre

Here’s a glimpse at the courses available at our post-16 vocational hub: 

  • Hairdressing 
  • Barbering 
  • Employability skills 
  • Construction 
  • Food technology 
  • Motor vehicle maintenance 
  • And of course, all courses include essential Maths and English! 

What Will Students Achieve with Us? 

By the end of their time at Brian Jackson College, students will: 

  • Secure a positive destination—whether that’s employment, further education, or training 
  • Have had their individual needs fully addressed to ensure success 
  • Gain accredited certificates that demonstrate their knowledge and skills 
  • Achieve qualifications in Maths and English (Functional Skills or GCSEs) 
  • Complete entry-level SFLE through enriching experiences 
A recreational room featuring a blue Donnay table tennis setup in the foreground, a small pool table in the background, and a seating area with red chairs and a table against a white wall with colorful bulletin boards.
the student break room at the post 16 centre
Two individuals engaged in a discussion at a round table in a communal space, with a laptop open between them. The room features bright orange chairs, a water dispenser, and a simple, modern design with white walls and a grey carpet.

A Chat with Michael Winder – Our Enthusiastic Car Mechanics Teacher 

We recently caught up with Michael Winder, our passionate car mechanics teacher, to hear more about his journey: 

“At the College, my classroom is a high-octane mix of jokes, hands-on projects, and the occasional misplaced socket wrench. My ADHD means every lesson feels like an adventure—one minute you’re learning about engine timing, and the next we are in a conversation about how tanks are just really big cars with better paint jobs. Dyslexia? No problem. When the textbook gets confusing, I throw it aside and says, “Let’s make our own manual!”

I am excited for this next chapter at the post-16 offering and can’t wait to find my next exciting project—probably trying to fit a jet engine onto a go-kart, with a cup of coffee in hand, of course.”

A spacious and well-lit automotive workshop with various tools and equipment, including a tire changer and engine stand. The area features high ceilings, an upper storage level, and an open garage entrance where workers are seen outside near a van and machinery.
the mechanics workshop at the post-16 centre
An automotive workshop with a clean, spacious floor, featuring various red and blue workstations, tools, and equipment. A bicycle is parked near a workbench, and multiple car jacks and engine stands are neatly arranged along the walls.

News Update: Brian Jackson College celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted rating!

Posted on by Katie Shephard

Fresh Futures Brian Jackson College are proud to announce that they have once again achieved a rating of GOOD during their recent Ofsted inspection!

At Brian Jackson College, we pride ourselves on the quality of work we deliver, and the outcomes we achieve to improve the lives of young people and inspire positive change to encourage better opportunities for their futures.

In June we welcomed Ofsted inspectors into Brian Jackson College, where they carried out a two-day inspection of our education settings across Huddersfield and Heckmondwike. We were delighted that the inspectors recognised the invaluable support, ongoing improvements, and dedication we provide to our young people on a daily basis.

Throughout their visit, inspectors spent time talking to staff and students, and discussing their views around various topics such as safeguarding, bullying and equality and diversity. The staff and students gave glowing feedback and spoke highly of the unique family-feel at the college. The inspectors agreed with the comments and observations made, so much so, they have awarded us, for the third time, a GOOD Ofsted rating.

The team at Brian Jackson College couldn’t be prouder of maintaining this achievement throughout the years.

Headteacher, Jacqui Green, was over-joyed to share the exciting news with parents, carers, students and colleagues. Jacqui said: “This is an excellent report, particularly at a time when the benchmark for ‘Good’ is at the highest level it has ever been. I am particularly pleased that Ofsted recognised the journey of improvements made at Brian Jackson College over the past four years and I would like to thank the parents/carers who have supported the school during this time. Once again, may I thank all those involved in the inspection itself, especially the staff, Brian Jackson College, governors, and the pupils who shone during the inspection process and continue to make a positive contribution to school life.”

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive Officer at Yorkshire Children’s Centre, added: “I am delighted that the great work our team do to develop our students continues to be recognised by Ofsted. Our model of blending academic and vocational learning, in a nurturing, supportive and safe environment, provides a fresh start for young people for whom mainstream schooling has not worked. Brian Jackson College is a shining example of good alternative education provision, and I am proud of the difference we make.”

Brian Jackson College is an alternative provision school, run across two sites in Heckmondwike and Huddersfield, teaching core and vocational subjects to around 60 pupils in years 9-11.

To find out more about Brian Jackson College, please visit: www.brianjacksoncollege.co.uk

#BrianJacksonCollege #WeAreYCC