SPECIAL EVENT KICKS OFF NEW ERA FOR SHIPLEY COLLEGE
There was a buzz in the air last Thursday night (2nd October) as civic figures, student successes and valued partners gathered at the launch of Shipley College’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030.
Held at the striking Farfield (The Cellar Trust), recently transformed utilising a £3million boost from the government-funded Shipley Towns Fund, the special event celebrated the new vision with a continued commitment to ‘life-changing learning’.
Opening the evening, Diana Bird (Principal & CEO) said: “Our plan sets out an ambitious vision for how Shipley College will continue to transform lives through learning and play a leading role in developing the skills our region needs for the future. By working closely with employers and community partners, we will ensure our offer is aligned with Bradford’s growth sectors and the evolving demands of a rapidly changing world.
"From widening access to learning in underrepresented communities, to developing new pathways into high-quality jobs, we will be a catalyst for opportunity, inclusion and social mobility. This plan not only looks at the next five years, but far beyond, setting out how we will shape Bradford’s long-term future."
The five-year blueprint was outlined to guests in attendance, focusing on five key objectives: Life-changing Learning; Partnering for Prosperity; Unlocking Potential; Empowering Our People; Investing in Our Future.
Following the Principal’s foreword, guests were able to mix, network and enjoy a showstopping buffet provided by MyLahore.
Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley, was present to support the launch within her constituency. She said: "Shipley College is at the heart of this community and trains people of all ages with the skills they need to access jobs in the area.
"Having visited the College, I’ve seen first-hand the education they’re providing to our young people through innovative facilities, cutting-edge training and partnerships to give students real-life experience. These are all at the heart of the new strategy."
As well as Anna Dixon, an extensive range of Shipley College partners came together to back the occasion. This included West Yorkshire Combined Authority, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Bradford Teaching Hospitals, University of Bradford and many more.
College alumni also took centre-stage, including Leah Maughan and Molly Lowry, who are both now studying at Leeds Trinity University.
Reflecting on her journey, Leah said: “I tried a couple of different Further Education settings, but it was Shipley College which got me to university. The College has had a huge impact on my life and taught me so much.”
“Shipley College really grew my confidence and developed me as a person academically. It’s got me to exactly where I want to be in life,” Molly added.
Other former students included Isabelle Fazackerley (NCFE Learner of the Year 2025), Oliver Bentley (T Level Accounting achiever) and Hibah Modak (Former Student Governor).
