Colleges Near Me – Your Local Option for 16–18 Study
Looking for Colleges Near You?
If you’re searching online for colleges near me, sixth form colleges near me or 16–18 colleges near me, Shipley College may be your closest local option. We’re based in the heart of Saltaire, with excellent transport links from Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Baildon, Guiseley and across the BD postcode area.
Every year, hundreds of students choose Shipley College because they want a friendly, local college that offers practical courses, real support, and clear progression to university, apprenticeships or employment.
FAQ
Q: What colleges are near me in the Bradford and Shipley area?
A: Shipley College is a local option for students from Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley and BD postcode areas, offering full-time vocational courses for 16–18-year-olds.
Q: Does Shipley College offer alternatives to sixth form?
A: Yes. We offer vocational courses, T Levels, and progression routes that suit many students better than traditional sixth forms.
Q: How do I apply for a full-time course near me?
A: Applications are open now and you can apply online in minutes. You’ll receive an offer quickly so you can plan your next steps.
Q: Is Shipley College easy to get to?
A: Yes. We’re located in Saltaire with direct trains and buses from Bradford, Keighley, Bingley and surrounding areas.
Why Choose Shipley College as Your Local College?
Shipley College is one of the most popular local colleges for 16–18s in Bradford and West Yorkshire — offering a friendly, supportive environment combined with practical, career-focused learning.
Whether you're searching for colleges near me, sixth form alternatives, or a local FE college that helps you progress to university, apprenticeships or employment, Shipley College gives you the skills and confidence to succeed.
We’re based in the centre of Saltaire with excellent transport links from:
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Bradford
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Shipley
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Bingley
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Keighley
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Baildon
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Guiseley
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BD postcode areas
Our full-time courses offer hands-on learning, real-world experience, and a welcoming community where students feel supported.
Why Choose Shipley College as Your Local 16–18 College?
Choosing the right college is a big decision — especially if you're searching for colleges near me, sixth-form colleges near me, or full-time courses near Bradford. Shipley College offers the perfect blend of local convenience, quality teaching, and real-world career preparation.
Here’s what makes us a top choice for GCSE leavers:
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A friendly, supportive college with staff who know your name.
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Industry-focused courses built with employers so you're job-ready.
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A-Level alternatives such as BTECs and T Levels that open the door to work or university.
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Easy travel from Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Baildon and surrounding BD postcode areas.
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Fast offers — apply now, don’t wait for GCSE results.
Whether you want a creative course, a health career, a business pathway or digital skills, Shipley College gives you the full-time courses near you that lead to real opportunities.
What Full-Time Courses Can You Study Near Shipley, Bradford, and the BD Area?
If you're comparing colleges near me for 16–18 study, here are the main subject areas you can choose from at Shipley College:
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Art & Design
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Business & Enterprise
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Health & Social Care
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Early Years & Childcare
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Creative Media
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Esports & Games Design
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Travel, Tourism, Events & Hospitality
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Foundation Learning (Maths, English, IT)
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ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
All courses include hands-on learning, projects, and industry links so you can gain real experience while studying locally.
Students join us from across:
Shipley • Saltaire • Bradford • Bingley • Keighley • Baildon • Guiseley • BD1–BD22
…making us one of the most popular full-time colleges near me in West Yorkshire.
Why Choose a Local College Like Shipley College?
Choosing a college close to home has huge advantages — especially if you’re 16–18 and planning your next steps after GCSEs.
At Shipley College, you get all the benefits of a local sixth form college with the experience of a specialist vocational provider. Studying close to home means:
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Shorter travel times and cheaper transport
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Less stress and more time for coursework, part-time work, or social life
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A friendly, supportive environment where you’re known by name
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Modern facilities and practical, career-focused courses
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Easy access from Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Baildon, Saltaire and the wider BD postcode
Whether you’re looking for A-Level alternatives, vocational courses, or the best colleges near me for hands-on learning, Shipley College gives you the skills and confidence to move on to university, work or an apprenticeship.
Popular Course Areas at Shipley College
If you’re looking for college courses near me or full-time courses for 16–18 year olds, Shipley College offers a broad range of subjects to help you build confidence, skills and a pathway into your future career. Our courses are designed for practical learners who prefer hands-on learning, smaller classes, and supportive tutors who know you by name.
We offer specialist programmes across areas including:
Art, Design & Media
Develop creativity and technical skills in drawing, photography, graphic design, digital art, media production and more. Perfect for students aiming for creative careers or university progression.
Business & IT
Learn practical skills in digital, enterprise, marketing, administration, computing and customer service. Ideal if you want strong employability skills that lead directly into work or apprenticeships.
Health & Social Care
Discover routes into nursing, midwifery, care work, social services and health-related professions. Our courses include placements that give you real experience.
Early Years & Childcare
Prepare for a rewarding career working with young children in nurseries, schools and childcare settings. Includes hands-on placements to build confidence.
Games, Esports & Creative Digital
Explore games design, esports production and digital creative skills used across the modern digital industries.
Travel, Tourism, Events & Hospitality
Perfect for students who want careers in customer service, hotels, aviation, events, tourism or hospitality.
Foundation Learning & ESOL
Supportive programmes for students who want to build confidence, improve English, maths or study skills, or need a stepping-stone into a higher-level course.
What Can You Study After GCSEs?
If you’re in Year 11 and deciding what to do after your GCSEs, you’re not alone — thousands of students each year search for courses after GCSEs or post-16 options near me to help plan their next step. Shipley College offers a wide range of full-time courses designed specifically for 16–18 year olds who want practical, career-focused learning.
Whether you want to move straight into a vocational Level 3 programme (equivalent to A levels), need to build your confidence at Level 1 or Level 2, or want to progress into an apprenticeship later on, we have a route that fits your goals.
At Shipley College you can:
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Study a Level 3 course (equivalent to 3 A levels)
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Join a Level 2 programme to strengthen your GCSE grades
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Access specialist pathways with additional English & maths support
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Experience a welcoming, supportive college environment
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Get help planning your career, university route or future apprenticeship
Whether you're aiming for university, a skilled job or a professional apprenticeship, Shipley College gives you the practical experience and support you need to take your next step after GCSEs.