STUDENTS and staff at York College are celebrating a decade of learning at their Sim Balk Lane campus.

To mark the occasion, a cake made by pastry and confectionery students, chefs and hospitality tutors in the shape of the building, was served to staff, students, prospective students and their families at the York College open morning event.

The fruit cake incorporating ten 8” cakes, gave students a whopping recipe to follow: 4kg butter, 4kg sugar, 2kg mixed peel, 2kg almonds, 18kg dried fruits, 2kg cherries, 20 eggs, 500g mixed spice. Students made the celebration cake during a three hour practical class, then baked each section for a further three hours. Finally, 12 hours were spent intricately decorating the cake to resemble the College building.

York College’s history goes back 190 years in the city of York, in varying guises and locations, starting with the opening of the Mechanics Institute in Bedern in 1827 and the founding of the School of Art & Design in Little Blake Street in 1842. Over the years the College has played a significant role in the economic and social development of the city, providing education and training to thousands of people locally and regionally.

Susannah Bentley, a former access to healthcare student in 2007, attending the open morning with her daughter and family.

She said: “I remember being very impressed with the new building when I studied here ten years ago, and now my daughter, who is currently at Millthorpe School, is excited to start studying A-levels here – it’s surreal! My own studies have enabled me to further my passion for acupuncture and Chinese medicine and I’m very pleased that my daughter will study A-levels here in September, including A-level law, which will help her to decide if she wants to study Law at university.”

The last ten years have seen many changes in the further education sector and Principal Dr Alison Birkinshaw is proud that York College has thrived during this time.

She said: “The past ten years have seen a significant amount of change at the college with a very clear focus on students and their achievements. In 2013 we were judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted and have retained outstanding financial health throughout this period. Our students’ achievements have improved significantly, and 2017 saw the very best results ever, with nearly 60 per cent high grades at A-level, well over half vocational students achieving the equivalent of three As at A-level, improved numbers of top grades in our higher education and very strong performances in our apprenticeship provision. I am very proud of the achievements."

"I am confident that we have the support of our local and regional communities and am grateful for this, and I am equally confident that our students bring significant benefits to national businesses and the national and regional economy.

"It continues to be a privilege to work with talented students and staff and to be principal of such an important college, and an important asset to York and North Yorkshire.”