Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 8th, 2026
•Plans have been submitted for an exciting new development in Leeds—a 1,000-place post-16 college at Thorpe Park. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for educational facilities for young people in East Leeds, especially as the population of students aged 16 to 17 is set to increase significantly in the coming years.
New College Details
The proposed college, which is being developed by Scarborough Group International through Thorpe Park Developments Ltd, will be a spacious four-storey building covering approximately 90,000 square feet. Designed by AHR, the college will provide an environment tailored specifically for post-16 education, featuring modern teaching spaces, areas for independent study, and facilities to support student life.
Subject to approval from Leeds City Council and the Department for Education, the college will relocate Delta Academies Trust's existing post-16 provision from Garforth Academy, increasing student capacity from around 400 to 1,000. This move is expected to free up space at Garforth Academy, allowing improvements to be made for students aged 11 to 16.
Meeting Local Needs
Leeds is experiencing notable growth in its population of 16 to 17-year-olds. According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, the current Year 11 population is about 8,714, with projections suggesting it will rise to 10,015 by the 2028/29 academic year. This increase indicates a pressing need for more educational opportunities in the area.
The new college will offer a wide range of courses, combining traditional A Levels with vocational options such as T Levels and the upcoming V-Levels. These pathways are designed to prepare students for higher education, apprenticeships, and various career opportunities. The college's location within Thorpe Park will also provide students with valuable work experience and employer-led placements, connecting them directly with over 100 businesses and around 7,500 employees in the area.
Community Benefits
Thorpe Park is not just an educational site; it's part of a larger community hub. The college will be situated near The Springs retail and leisure centre, as well as 150 acres of green space at Green Park and Leeds City Council's planned Park Life sports hub. This means students will have access to a variety of recreational activities and facilities, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Furthermore, the college's presence is expected to foster closer ties between local businesses and the education sector. Adam Varley, Development Director at Scarborough Group International, highlighted the importance of this connection, stating, “There’s something really compelling about giving young people the opportunity to take their next step in a place like Thorpe Park.” This connection can help students understand the range of careers available to them while allowing businesses to engage with emerging talent.
Public Support and Next Steps
The planning application follows a public consultation that took place over the summer, which received strong support from the community. Approximately 68.5% of respondents expressed their approval for the college plans, providing valuable feedback that has informed the final design submitted to Leeds City Council.
Andy Barnett, CEO at Delta Academies Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the project:
“The submission of this planning application represents an exciting milestone in our plans to establish Thorpe Park College and provide more high-quality educational opportunities for young people in Leeds.”
He emphasised the importance of creating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
Future Developments
The proposed college is part of a broader vision for Thorpe Park, which has seen significant development over the past 25 years. The area has already welcomed over one million square feet of workspace, alongside retail and leisure facilities. Plans for the future include expanding to more than 2.8 million square feet, incorporating further office, industrial, and residential developments.
Additionally, there are plans to improve transport links in the area, including the potential construction of a new railway station at Thorpe Park, making it even easier for students and residents to access the site.
As the planning process progresses, community engagement will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the college and ensuring it meets the needs of local families. The new college is aiming for an opening date in autumn 2028, promising to offer a modern educational environment that prepares students for their futures.