Plans for New Sixth Form College at Thorpe Park, Leeds, Unveiled for 2026

Exciting plans are underway for a new sixth form college at Thorpe Park in Leeds, which aims to provide up to 1,000 post-16 places. This initiative is being developed by Scarborough Group International (SGI) in partnership with Willmott Dixon and Delta Academies Trust, who will manage the college once it is completed. The proposed facility will cover 90,000 square feet and consist of four storeys, designed to cater to the growing demand for educational spaces in East Leeds.

Public Consultation and Exhibition

Before finalising the plans, SGI is engaging with the community to gather feedback. A public consultation is scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2026, allowing local residents, businesses, and students to voice their opinions and learn more about the project. A public exhibition will also take place at Garforth Academy on 2 July 2026, which will give attendees a chance to meet the project team and share their thoughts. Further details about the consultation can be found online at www.thorpeparkleeds.com/consultation.

Benefits of the New College

The new college will relocate the current sixth form provision from Garforth Academy, allowing that school to focus on its younger students aged 11 to 16. The new Thorpe Park college is designed to provide a modern environment specifically tailored for sixth form education, ensuring that students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities. This move is particularly important as it addresses the increasing need for high-quality post-16 education in the area.

Thorpe Park was chosen for its excellent transport links, accessibility to local amenities, and the green spaces surrounding the site. The college will be located next to Green Park, which is being developed into a 150-acre public park, complete with a sports hub featuring pitches and community facilities. This location not only offers students a pleasant environment but also easy access to daily amenities at The Springs, a nearby retail and leisure hub.

Curriculum and Opportunities

The new college plans to offer a diverse range of courses, combining traditional A Levels with vocational options like T Levels and V Levels. This curriculum aims to prepare students for higher education, apprenticeships, and employment. Some proposed specialisations include:

• Education and early years learning

• Building services engineering

• Hair and beauty

With over 100 businesses already operating at Thorpe Park, the college is set to establish a strong link between education and employment. This connection provides students with valuable opportunities for work experience and future career pathways right in their community.

Statements from Leaders

Andy Barnett, CEO of Delta Academies Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the project:

"We are delighted to share more detailed plans of our Post-16 Free School at Thorpe Park in East Leeds. Our vision is to create a centre of excellence where students can access an ambitious curriculum, outstanding teaching and a rich programme of personal development."

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with local schools and businesses to ensure the college meets the needs of students and employers alike.

Adam Varley, Development Director at SGI, added:

"Bringing forward a new sixth form college is a significant step in that journey. It strengthens Thorpe Park as an ecosystem, linking education, opportunity and employment."

This reflects the commitment to not only provide education but also foster economic growth in East Leeds.

Future Developments at Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park Leeds has been a hub of development for over 25 years, with plans to expand further. Currently, the site has delivered more than 1 million square feet of workspace, retail, and leisure facilities, along with new homes. The aim is to grow to over 2.8 million square feet in total, accommodating more business spaces and residential communities, ensuring that Thorpe Park remains a leading mixed-use business destination in the UK.

The introduction of a new railway station, currently being developed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail, will further enhance accessibility to the area, making it easier for students and employees to travel to and from Thorpe Park.

As plans for the new sixth form college progress, the community can look forward to a facility that not only meets educational needs but also contributes to the local economy and enhances the overall quality of life in East Leeds. With the potential for a vibrant educational environment, this project is set to be a significant milestone for the region.