Department Newsletter
wakefield.ac.uk
Welcome
Greetings from Wakefield College’s Hospitality & Catering Department!
I am thrilled to welcome you to read our departmental newsletter, an exciting publication designed to keep you informed and engaged with the latest happenings, developments, and opportunities in our amazing department.
As the deputy head of the department, I am continually inspired by the passion and innovation that our students and staff bring to the world of hospitality. This newsletter is our way of sharing that inspiration with you.
In this edition, we’ll bring you the latest news from our department, keeping you up-to-date with current trends and departmental achievements. It’s an excellent way for you to stay connected and informed about the field.
We also believe in the power of real stories to inspire and guide. That’s why we will be featuring student case studies, showcasing the journeys, challenges and successes of our students. These stories not only highlight the real-world application of our courses but also serve as a testament to the supportive and innovative environment that Wakefield College offers.
Additionally, we understand the importance of experiencing the environment where you will learn and grow. Therefore, our newsletter includes a link to virtual tours of our fantastic facilities.
Students visit BBC Good Food Show
Hospitality & Catering students from across various levels took a trip to the BBC Good Food Show, where they visited the big kitchen for a live cooking demonstration from celebrity chef James Martin. Students witnessed a variety of other cooking demonstrations from gluten free experts to Caribbean chefs and also visited and networked with other trade professionals, giving them valuable insight into this exciting industry!
Henry Manwaring Deputy Head of Hospitality & Catering
Level 3 Kitchen and Larder Students got a private demonstration on how to make the perfect paella from Chef Jose of local Wakefield favourite Jose’s Tapas.
Fun Facts!
There are over 180 Michelin star restaurants in the UK
Hear from our Students
Jamie
The UK’s most popular dining brand is Greggs
The average household spends per person per week on food and drink £47.19
UK consumers spend a total of £132 billion in restaurants and cafés each year
As of September 2024, there’s over 36,000 licensed food-led premises in the UK
“I chose this course because I liked the curriculum content and progression routes available to me. I enjoy both the practical and theory, especially making cocktails when we do restaurant service. I have developed lots of service skills that I’ve applied to my job outside of the College at a local cocktail bar and rugby club. I really like the feel of managing multiple things as a head waiter.”
Olivia
“I’ve worked in a restaurant before so I knew this course would be great for me as it’s hands-on. I like working in the College’s restaurant, Gaskell’s, as I enjoy being front of house and meeting and speaking to lots of customers, which gives you a lot of confidence and independence.”
Phoebe
“On the course, we get to make all different kinds of foods including pastries. I have used these skills at home when I make cakes and other sweet treats on special occasions for my family. After College, I’d like to work in a café and my dream job would be to run my own bakery.”
Student Dishes
Rhubarb Dinner
Spanish Tapas Evening
Group Secures Number One Spot for FE College Achievement Rates in the Region
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges, also securing fifth place nationally.
This highly impressive result follows a strong performance across the Group’s 16–18 provision, with the latest Department for Education National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs) for 2024/2025 confirming the Group as the region’s highest-performing FE college for learners aged under 19.
In addition to this success, the Group also achieved fourth place regionally for Apprenticeship achievement rates, further highlighting its strength across further education and skills training.
The results position the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and its three colleges – Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College - as having the best achievement results of all further education colleges in Yorkshire & the Humber region and being the fifth top-performing further education college in England, reflecting the quality of teaching, support and student outcomes delivered across its campuses and programmes.
The NARTs are key summary indicators of performance in education and training and apprenticeships and demonstrate the percentage of students that were awarded their qualifications. Published annually, the national tables rank over 150 colleges.
I am so proud of this phenomenal accolade. Being ranked first in the region for our 16-18 achievement rates and fifth nationally is something we are incredibly proud of and reflects both the ambition of our students and the quality of education and support across the Group. These results are a true reflection of the dedication and care shown by our staff, who go above and beyond every day to help our learners succeed academically, grow as individuals and move forward with confidence into their next steps.”
Sam Wright Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
OPEN EVENTS
OCTOBER 2026
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER: 5PM-7PM
Castleford College
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER: 5PM-7PM
Wakefield College
NOVEMBER 2026
SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER: 10AM-12PM
Wakefield College and Castleford College
FEBRUARY 2027
WEDNESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY: 5PM-7PM
Wakefield College and Castleford College
Combining Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group saw outstanding pass rates in 2024/2025, with Selby College securing a 99% pass rate across its A Level programmes and Wakefield College a 98%. Castleford College and Wakefield College also achieved an impressive 100% pass rate for their T Level courses.
A significant number of its learners also progressed onto employment or higher education, including Russell Group universities such as the University of Oxford, University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham and many more.
Across its colleges, the Group offers a broad range of 16–18 study programmes, including A Levels, T Levels and vocational and technical courses. It also delivers a wide variety of apprenticeships, designed to reflect local labour market needs and support learners into meaningful careers.
