Leeds West and Pudsey MP Rachel Reeves has toured the construction site of the new Pudsey Sixth Form College and met with prospective students.
The new college, expected to host around 700 learners off Kent Road, is set to open its doors to its first cohort of students in September this year.
Funding has been sourced through a £12.7 million loan from the Department for Education.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves was ‘delighted’ to see the progress made in building the new college in her constituency.
“Speaking to future Pudsey Sixth Form College students while on the visit, their positivity around being able to remain in the local area to attend sixth form was clear,” Ms Reeves added.
“Without the creation of this large new sixth form college, many prospective students would instead have to travel further afield for their sixth form education.”
Once operational, Pudsey Sixth Form College will not only ensure that young people have additional learning opportunities but it will also release capacity in partner schools.
Partner schools include Crawshaw Academy, Co-op Academy Priesthorpe and Leeds West Academy, along with Leeds Sixth Form College and Leeds City College.
Phil Mark, principal of Pudsey Sixth Form College, said: “It is exciting to think that in a few months Pudsey Sixth Form College will begin its role providing the young people of Pudsey and the surrounding area with educational opportunities leading to employment or further study.
“Drawing on links with Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College, this new sixth form in Pudsey will be able to expertly provide both academic and technical courses for young people.”
Steve Ford, regional managing director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome prospective students and local figureheads to the site to see the progress we are making.
“This project is not just about the building; it’s about giving local people the educational resources to help them succeed, contributing to a thriving community. We’re grateful for Rachel Reeves’ interest and support, and we look forward to continuing our work to welcome new students to the project later this year.”
Follow WLD’s ongoing coverage of Pudsey Sixth Form College here.
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