{{Short description|Sixth form college in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England}} {{Primary sources|date=December 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Use British English|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox school | name = Greenhead College | image = Greenhead_College_logo.jpg | image_size = 100px | caption = College logo | coordinates = {{coord|53.647|-1.792|type:edu_region:GB_dim:100|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | established = 1980 | closed = | type = Sixth form college | religious_affiliation = | president = | head_label = Principal | head = Mo Bunter | chair_label = | chair = Richard Armstrong | founder = | specialist = | address = Greenhead Road | city = Huddersfield | county = West Yorkshire | country = England | postal_code = HD1 4ES | local_authority = Kirklees | urn = 130538 | ofsted = yes | staff = 185 (approx.) | enrolment = 2,767<ref>{{cite web|url=https://huddersfieldhub.co.uk/greenhead-college-rated-outstanding-after-its-first-full-ofsted-inspection-in-15-years/|title=Huddersfield Hub - Greenhead College rated Outstanding after 15 years|date=4 May 2022 }}</ref> | gender = Coeducational | lower_age = 16 | upper_age = 19 | houses = | colours = Green & Gold | affiliations = [https://maplegroup.org.uk/ Maple Group] | publication = | free_label1 = | free_text1 = | free_label2 = | free_text2 = | free_label3 = | free_text3 = | website = {{URL|www.greenhead.ac.uk}} }}
'''Greenhead College''' is a sixth form college, and former grammar school, in Huddersfield, in the county of West Yorkshire, England. The principal is Mo Bunter. With over 2,700 students, it is a large college, and students come from Wakefield, Manchester, Barnsley, Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Wetherby and Wales, as well as from Huddersfield.{{citation needed|date=December 2025}} It is next to Greenhead Park, one of the largest parks in Huddersfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/portal/site/Internet/menuitem.7c7b38b14d870c7bb1890a01637046a0/?urn=130538&providerCategoryID=128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203113132/http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/portal/site/Internet/menuitem.7c7b38b14d870c7bb1890a01637046a0/?urn=130538&providerCategoryID=128|url-status = dead|archive-date=3 December 2007| title=Greenhead College|publisher=Ofsted|access-date=2 November 2006|year=2004}}</ref>
==History== ===Grammar school=== Greenhead High School for Girls was founded in 1909. The last O-levels were taken in June 1977. The girls grammar school incrementally became a sixth form college, from September 1973.
Graham Cooksey moved from Thomas Rotherham College to be headmaster from January 1973.<ref>''Huddersfield Examiner'' Thursday 18 January 1973, page 20</ref>
===Sixth form college=== It was a full sixth form college from September 1977, and celebrated 50 years of sixth form college education in the 2023-24 academic year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hub |first=Huddersfield |date=2023-01-23 |title=Greenhead College turns 50 this year and wants your memories and photographs |url=https://huddersfieldhub.co.uk/greenhead-college-turns-50-this-year-and-wants-your-memories-and-photographs/ |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Huddersfield Hub |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Reputation== The college was graded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2025 - a status it has held and maintained since its very first report in 2004. It was also judged to be making a strong contribution to meeting skills needs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2025-03-17 |title='OUTSTANDING' Ofsted 2025 |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/outstanding-ofsted-2025 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Anviksha |date=2025-03-17 |title=Four 'outstanding' reports in a row for Huddersfield college |url=https://feweek.co.uk/four-outstanding-reports-in-a-row-for-huddersfield-sixth-form-college/ |access-date=2025-12-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The college was awarded the Further Education College of the Year at the Educate North Awards in 2025.<ref name=":0" />
Greenhead has a historically strong local and national reputation, topping both ''The Guardian'' and ''The Independent'''s A level college league tables in 2006 and was recognised as the ''Sunday Times''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Sixth Form College of the Year, 2014-15.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/documents/SundayTimes231114.pdf |title=State Sixth Form College of the year – Greenhead College|accessdate=30 December 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230024455/http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/documents/SundayTimes231114.pdf |archive-date=30 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=A-levels 2006: colleges |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/alevels/page/0,,1852554,00.html |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
==Subject choices== The college primarily offers A Level qualifications, with a few vocational courses. Prospective students choose from over 30 different subjects and usually study 3 courses as part of their study programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/subjects/subjects.htm|title=Subjects We Offer|publisher=Greenhead College|access-date=6 January 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117222216/http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/subjects/subjects.htm|archive-date=17 January 2009}}</ref>
==Admissions== Students from local partner schools are given priority for places at the college, and are required to obtain a minimum of GCSE grades 4 in Maths and English language in addition to three GCSE grade 6s to gain a place at the college. Some subjects have more specific entry requirements.
Current local partner schools are All Saints Catholic High School, Colne Valley High School, Holmfirth High School, Honley High School, King James's School, Moor End Technology College, Netherhall Learning Campus, Newsome High School, North Huddersfield Trust School, Royds Hall Academy and Salendine Nook High School.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enrolment Information |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/enrolment-information |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Students from other schools are considered based on their mock GCSE results, a one-to-one interview and the availability of subject places, this after local partner school students have been taken into consideration. Students from the Calderdale secondary schools, including The Brooksbank School, The Crossley Heath School and North Halifax Grammar School, can be accepted through the application process. In 2005, then-principal Martin Rostron said he believed the college has been criticised for selecting only the best students, which he denied, saying that Greenhead took those of all abilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Entry requirements |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/courses-apply/entry-requirements |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/education/education_news/article14607.ece|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714201428/http://news.independent.co.uk/education/education_news/article14607.ece|url-status = dead|archive-date=14 July 2012|title=Reasons to be cheerful|work=The Independent|date=13 January 2005|access-date=5 December 2007}}</ref>
==Campus== thumb|The wall art of the science block at Greenhead College The Greenhead College campus is on one site, near the centre of Huddersfield, next to Greenhead Park. The college has eight main buildings. Each building represents a group of subjects.
On 26 May 2004, the college opened the Conway Building. The building was named after a former principal, Dr Kevin Conway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721134628/http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/news/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2011 |title=College Newsletter No. 82 |publisher=Greenhead College website |access-date=9 December 2010}}</ref> The Rostron Building opened in 2013 and the Cooksey Building opened in 2017 (named after former college principals Martin Rostron and Graham Cooksey respectively).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Earnshaw |first=Tony |date=2017-07-07 |title=New building adds to Greenhead's glowing reputation |url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/new-building-adds-greenheads-glowing-13294370 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Yorkshire Live |language=en}}</ref>
In November 2023 the college opened its new 'Hirst' building, named after former alumni and now biological scientist Judy Hirst. The Hirst building is a £25 million project funded by the Department for Education and built in collaboration between construction companies Galliford Try and Mace. The Hirst building provides facilities for the teaching of chemistry, biology and psychology. These subjects moved from the old Laingspan Science building, which was then demolished. There are large study and social areas with catering facilities. The building is carbon-neutral and has a bio roof and solar panels to generate electricity for the building.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/new-build |title=New Build |accessdate=26 October 2023}} {{dead link|date=December 2025}}</ref>
Further work to construct 'The Quad', which connects the main building with the other buildings on site, was completed in August 2025, along with refurbishments to study rooms across the campus, a new library and the creation of 'The Hub', where students can access pastoral support.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prospectus |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/courses-apply/prospectus |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Enrichment== Greenhead's enrichment programme encourage students to take part in extracurricular activities. It was introduced in 1990, and awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2000, which stated that enrichment at Greenhead was "a national exemplar of what can be done at sixth-form level to extend students’ education and personal growth beyond their academic courses".<ref name="Enrichment">{{Cite web |title=Enrichment |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/student-life/enrichment |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Winners archive |url=https://royalanniversarytrust.org.uk/the-prizes/winners-archive/ |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Royal Anniversary Trust |language=en-GB}}</ref> Ofsted said in 2025 that "Students benefit from a rich and comprehensive enrichment programme which they take part in alongside their studies".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ofsted |first= |date=2025-03-17 |title=Inspection of Greenhead College |url=http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=reports.ofsted.gov.uk}}</ref>
Enrichment is mandatory for all students. Activities include The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, sports, music and drama, information technology and volunteering. In 2025, over 100 different activities were available to students including sports and music groups.<ref name="Enrichment"/> In 2018, the Greenhead College 'Carol for Yorkshire' raised over £700 for charity,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/here-winning-charity-christmas-carol-former-calderdale-student-194811|title = Here is the winning Charity Christmas Carol from former Calderdale student}}</ref> and 2021 saw students participate in the Greenhead New Music Competition.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIE82VO5QK8 | title=Introducing the Greenhead College New Music Competition | website=YouTube }}</ref>
As part of their study programme, students take part in the college 'Step Into Your Future Week' in their first year. Students choose to explore one of 30 different career areas in more detail by undertaking a programme organised by college or can opt to carry out their own work placement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Step Into your Future Week |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/student-life/step-into-your-future |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Greenhead College, Huddersfield |url=https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/greenhead-college-huddersfield/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Transpennine Route Upgrade |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Awards== * Queen's Anniversary Prize for Excellence in 1996 and 2000<ref name=":1" /> * The Educational Institution of the Year Award in 1999 * The Beacon College Award in May 1999 and in September 2004<ref>{{Cite web |title=The winners of the 1999 Beacon Award programme {{!}} Tes Magazine |url=https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/winners-1999-beacon-award-programme |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=www.tes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yumpu.com |title=83 November 2004 - The Best Yet!! - Greenhead College |url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/38452386/83-november-2004-the-best-yet-greenhead-college |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=yumpu.com |language=en}}</ref> * 'Outstanding' Ofsted inspections in 2004, 2008, 2022 and 2025<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/general/awards.htm |title=Awards |access-date=24 January 2006 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504204744/http://www.greenhead.ac.uk/general/awards.htm |archive-date=4 May 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ofsted |first= |date=2022-07-25 |title=Ofsted inspection reports: Greenhead College |url=http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=reports.ofsted.gov.uk}}</ref> * ''Sunday Times''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Parent Power Top State Sixth Form College of the Year 2014<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitwam |first=Linda |date=2014-11-24 |title=Huddersfield's Greenhead College crowned country's top 6th form college |url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/greenhead-best-sixth-form-college-8164346 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Yorkshire Live |language=en}}</ref> *Music Mark Award in 2018 and 2025<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Mark awarded to Greenhead College's Music Department |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/music-mark-awarded-to-greenhead-colleges-music-department |access-date=24 January 2021 |website=www.greenhead.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Greenhead College {{!}} Music Mark |url=https://www.musicmark.org.uk/providers/greenhead-college/ |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=www.musicmark.org.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> *Quality Standard in Carers Support 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Young Carers |url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/supported-learning/young-carers |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Greenhead College |language=en-GB}}</ref> *Further Education Mental Health Award Gold 2024-27<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hirst |first=Andy |date=2024-10-07 |title=Greenhead College wins top award for its commitment to mental health care for students and staff |url=https://huddersfieldhub.co.uk/greenhead-college-wins-top-award-for-its-commitment-to-mental-health-care-for-students-and-staff/ |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=Huddersfield Hub |language=en-GB}}</ref> *Educate North Awards: Further Education College of the Year 2025<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=2025 Winners |url=https://educatenorth.co.uk/?page_id=34329 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=ENAs |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Notable alumni== *Lisa Head, first female bomb disposal officer in the British Army to be killed in operations<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2011/05/07/huddersfield-says-farewell-to-capt-lisa-head-leave-your-tribute-hear-86081-28649790/|title=Huddersfield says farewell to Capt Lisa Head|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=7 May 2011|access-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> *Andi Durrant, radio presenter, music producer and disc jockey, best known as a presenter for Capital and Kiss <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/andidurrant/?originalSubdomain=uk|title=Andi Durrant LinkedIn|date=28 January 2026|access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref> *Judy Hirst, FRS FRSC, a British scientist specialising in mitochondrial biology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr Judy Hirst MA, DPhil, FRS|url=https://www.greenhead.ac.uk/dr-judy-hirst-ma-dphil-frs/279.html|access-date=16 August 2020|website=www.greenhead.ac.uk}}</ref> Prof Hirst is interim director of the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit at the University of Cambridge<ref>{{cite web|title=Judy Hirst FRS {{!}} MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit|url=http://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/people/judy-hirst|access-date=16 August 2020|website=www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508082720/http://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/people/judy-hirst|url-status=dead}}</ref> *Kieran Hodgson, actor and musician who co-wrote and starred in ''Prince Andrew: The Musical'' in 2022 *Jill Kemp, professional classical recorder player<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/whats-on/huddersfield-born-recorder-player-jill-kemp-5023557|title=Huddersfield-born recorder player Jill Kemp heads out on US tour|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=20 March 2009|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref> *Jonathan Le Billon, actor best known for playing Brian Drake in ''Hollyoaks''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0494080/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm|title=Jonathan Le Billon|publisher=IMDb|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref> *Janine Mellor, actress best known for playing Kelsey Phillips in BBC One's ''Casualty''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/tonights-night-janine-gets-big-5082866|title=Tonight's the night as Janine gets her big TV break|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=24 February 2005|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref> *Kearnan Myall, rugby union footballer for London Wasps<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport-news/golf-news/2013/05/29/huddersfield-s-kearnan-myall-gets-england-ru-call-86081-33399360/|title=Huddersfield's Kearnan Myall gets England RU call|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=29 May 2013|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref> *Neil O'Brien OBE, Conservative MP *Matt Roberts, television presenter, best known for his work on BBC Sport's Moto GP coverage<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/huddersfields-matt-roberts-now-bbc-5021489|title=Huddersfield's Matt Roberts now BBC Moto GP star|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=13 April 2009|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref> *Mona Siddiqui OBE FRSE FRSA, British Muslim academic<ref name = "BBC radio 4, MS">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thehouseigrewupin/pip/9yhpv/|title=''The House I Grew Up In'', featuring Mona Siddiqui|publisher=BBC Radio 4|date=13 August 2008|access-date=13 August 2008}}</ref> *Harpreet Uppal, Labour MP, and first female MP representing Huddersfield *Steven Woodcock, award-winning film director, writer, and producer *Jessica Gunning, award-winning actress
===Greenhead High School for Girls=== * Catherine Aird * Julia Annas, philosopher<ref>''Huddersfield Examiner'' Friday 12 December 1975, page 5</ref> * Cicely Pearl Blair
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.greenhead.ac.uk}}
{{Universities and colleges in Yorkshire and the Humber}} {{Schools in Kirklees}}
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Category:Schools in Huddersfield Category:Universities and colleges established in 1980 Category:Learning and Skills Beacons Category:Sixth form colleges in West Yorkshire Category:Education in Kirklees Category:1980 establishments in England Category:Huddersfield