Shipley College, Leeds

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades Shipley College on 6 areas: 1 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Contribution to meeting skills needs - Strong standard. "Leaders work very well with stakeholders and have a particularly clear understanding of the needs of the local communities in which they work."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have a carefully planned approach to inclusion, underpinned by their commitment to all learners and apprentices being able to work in safe, supportive and inclusive environments, achieve and reach their full potential."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and managers have an accurate overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision."

Achievement - Expected standard. "A high proportion of learners achieve their qualifications."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders work in partnership with employers to design a curriculum offer to open the eyes of young people to the career opportunities available in Bradford and the surrounding areas."

Participation and development - Expected standard. "Staff create a calm and purposeful environment, where they set clear expectations for learners' behaviour and conduct."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to improve the attendance of learners on study programmes"; "Leaders should further develop the understanding that learners on study programmes have of local safeguarding risks"; "Leaders should ensure that all young learners and apprentices benefit from clear and developmental written feedback, where this is provided, so that they understand how to improve their work further"; "Leaders should continue to take action to increase the proportion of learners who stay until the end of level 3 study programmes and achieve their qualifications"; "Leaders should continue to implement the actions they have taken to improve teaching in GCSE mathematics to learners on study programmes and learners with high needs"; "Leaders should continue to implement improvement actions to increase the proportion of learners achieving functional skills English and mathematics qualifications"; "Leaders should ensure that they communicate with all staff and listen to their concerns".

In its own words: "Shipley College became the first college in the world to commit to the SDG Accord - a global movement dedicated to improving our economy, environment and society."

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 11 November 2026, an open day on Tuesday 12 January 2027 and an open day on Wednesday 17 March 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

Of the 379 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 17% went on to university or other higher education, 6% to apprenticeships and 20% into work. 6% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

The nearest railway station is Saltaire Rail Station, about 190 metres away (roughly a 2-minute walk).

23 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Caroline Social Club (at), 40 metres away.