Hull Colllege is offering support across academic skills, wellbeing and financial guidance, with bursaries subject to eligibility, including a mature student bursary of £1,500 a year
The new Higher Hull facility, at Hull College in the city centre
Hull College has launched Higher Hull, a new chapter in higher education designed to open up degree-level study and career opportunities across the region. It means better support for people progressing from college, adults returning to learning and those seeking a change of career or advancement at work.
A new facility was launched immediately following the college’s graduation ceremony at Hull Minster. Building on more than 60 years of higher education at Hull College, Higher Hull brings a new identity and renewed ambition to education provision spanning Levels 4 to 7.
It will offer higher national qualifications and foundation degrees to honours degrees and postgraduate study. Education chiefs hope it will inspire people from across Hull and East Yorkshire to make the most of their talents and unlock ambition.
“There is enormous talent in Hull and the Humber, but too many people still feel higher education is beyond their reach,” said Debra Gray CBE, Principal and CEO of Hull College. “They may have a family to support, a job they cannot leave or an experience of education that has knocked their confidence. None of that should mean their ambitions have to stop.”
She added: “Higher Hull is a major commitment to those people and to this region’s future. We want more residents to gain the higher-level skills that lead to better careers, and more employers to find the expertise they need here.
“Launching immediately after graduation was particularly special. We had just celebrated people who have worked incredibly hard to change their futures. Higher Hull is about making that possible for many more. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity should be too.”
Supporting more employer-led flexible learning in Hull
The launch supports Hull College’s plans to widen participation and develop flexible learning shaped with employers. Priority areas include green energy, digital technologies, health and care, creative industries and advanced manufacturing, reflecting the Humber area’s changing economy and demand for higher-level skills.
The college holds its own foundation degree awarding powers, enabling it to design qualifications around local and regional needs. Alongside full-time and part-time routes, its offer will include shorter courses and modular study, helping people develop skills around employment and caring responsibilities.
Support will cover academic skills, wellbeing and financial guidance, with bursaries subject to eligibility, including a mature student bursary of £1,500 a year. Students will benefit from smaller teaching groups and lecturers with industry experience, with learning connected to professional practice through employer projects and live briefs.
A ceremony celebrated significant contributions to the region
The celebration of achievement was central to the launch of Higher Hull, as graduates gathered at Hull Minster with family, friends and college staff. Awards ranged from higher national qualifications and foundation degrees to honours degrees, teaching qualifications and master’s degrees, covering disciplines including engineering, creative practice, criminology and early years education.
The ceremony included awards validated by Pearson, the University of Huddersfield and the University of Hull, alongside Hull College’s own qualifications. Two Hull College Orders of Distinction also recognised outstanding contributions to the city and wider Humber.
Dr Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, was honoured for her leadership in championing the region and bringing businesses and partners together to support investment, skills and opportunity. Chris Jackson, Executive Director of Regeneration and Partnerships at Hull City Council, was recognised for his public service and contribution to Hull’s regeneration, including major projects helping shape the city’s future.
Graduates joined the traditional cap-throwing photograph in Trinity Square before walking back to the college through Queen’s Gardens for a celebratory reception, and the official launch of Higher Hull. A welcome reception included a live performance from Diddy Hair, a former Hull College student, along with refreshments and canapés provided by Bilocca, Hull College’s training restaurant.
A chance to ‘open new doors’ for people
Professional photographer Sergej Komkov, 35, from west Hull, delivered the student address at the graduation ceremony. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Lens-Based Photo Media and graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Practice.
“Higher Hull is a step up for the city, and the region. Students of the future have an incredible opportunity to learn and grow here,” Mr Komkov said.
“The teachers have a lot of time for the students, they really want you to do well, and they care. For me, graduating is like very good film where you don’t want it to end! However, I’m planning to go back into education, teaching and lecturing, and I would love to be part of Higher Hull to continue my journey.”
Some students believe Higher Hull will ‘open new doors’ for people from around the region. Carly Bolton, 37, from east Hull, set up her own beauty business after having her son, Kainan, now five, and has completed a Foundation Degree in Advanced Beauty and Aesthetics.
“I’m an older student and if you have children, I would definitely recommend Hull College because the support I’ve received has been amazing,” she said. “I hope other students in the future have the same opportunities I’ve been given. They could travel the world in their chosen career, and Higher Hull will help to open up so many more doors.”
More details about Higher Hull’s offer will be revealed at the college’s upcoming open event. This will be held on Thursday, November 19, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
More education in Hull is being led by employers
Education in Hull is rapidly changing, with an increasing focus on employer-led courses. Hull City Council planning officers are looking at a project to transform offices into independent study spaces and classrooms.
Ron Dearing University Technical College has submitted an application for the space in The Maltings, on Silvester Street in the city centre. It could see the office accommodation being turned into learning spaces and room for staff.
Plans include five additional Sixth Form teaching classrooms, a dedicated Sixth Form Centre incorporating independent study facilities, social and collaborative learning spaces for post-16 students, and a dedicated workspace. The move will help support the college and a growing appetite for the new technical post-GCSE T-Level qualifications.