Demand
It would respond to the growing need for post-16 academic and T Level provision in Leeds, particularly in East Leeds.
Proposals for new sixth form college
at Thorpe Park, Leeds
Scarborough Group International (SGI), in partnership with Delta Academies Trust, is bringing forward plans for a new four-storey sixth form college providing up to 1,000 post‑16 places to meet growing demand across East Leeds.
Share FeedbackThe site
The site sits within the wider Thorpe Park mixed-use development to the east of Leeds. It comprises a modern office park, purpose-built retail park (The Springs), and includes integrated landscaping and greenspace. The site is close to Junction 46 of the M1 motorway and connected to the surrounding area via the A63 and A6120 East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR).
Thorpe Park has been identified as a highly suitable location given its strong transport connectivity including road, bus and active travel routes, and a planned new rail station. The Park has an established business community of over 100 organisations, giving students access to local employers, work experience and future career opportunities on their doorstep. It’s also in close proximity to The Springs retail and leisure centre, 150 acres of green space at Green Park and the planned Leeds City Council Park Life sports hub.
The proposals represent the next phase of development at Thorpe Park and present an exciting opportunity to deliver an additional offer within the emerging masterplan which will complement the existing retail, leisure and office uses already in existence.
View our vision for the wider masterplan hereWhy is a new sixth form college needed?
Leeds is experiencing strong growth in the 16–17 age group, with the current Year 11 cohort of 8,714 projected to rise to 10,015 by 2028/29, the highest increase of any English local authority (ONS).
Thorpe Park College would help address this shortfall. Managed by Delta Academies Trust, the college would enable Garforth Academy to make more effective use of its existing site for 11–16 provision, allowing for a higher quality learning environment and improved facilities for Garforth students.
Our proposals will deliver
A new state-of-the-art, purpose-built sixth form college accommodating up to 1,000 students
A circa 90,000 sq. ft, four-storey facility designed specifically for post‑16 education
A curriculum offering a mix of A Levels and technical/vocational routes, including T Levels, supporting progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment
The relocation of the sixth form from Garforth Academy, enabling the Academy to refocus space on its 11–16 provision
Delivery by SGI on behalf of the Department for Education, operated by Delta Academies Trust
Our Approach
to design
The design of the building and its surroundings aims to create a clear, safe and welcoming arrival, while fitting well with its surroundings.
A row of trees along the front helps soften the look of the building, define the street edge, and make the area more pleasant for pedestrians. Changes in ground level are handled with planters, walls and steps, creating a clear and organised transition from the street to the entrance.
Walking and cycling routes are prioritised, with clear paths to the main entrance and, where possible, kept separate from vehicles. The entrance area includes seating, making it a more comfortable and welcoming space for pupils, staff and visitors.
A Copenhagen-style junction at the staff car park improves safety by giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists where they cross vehicle routes.
Please note the CGIs below are for illustrative purposes only.
Sustainable
design
Sustainability is a key component of the design, with a requirement for the building to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation and a target of BREEAM Excellent.
The design approach prioritises low carbon and energy-efficient environmental control solutions in the first instance, in order to minimise operational energy use and associated emissions. The remaining energy demand will then inform the selection of appropriate renewable energy technologies and systems to further reduce carbon impact. Current proposals indicate that photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are likely to represent the most suitable solutions for the building.
Key Benefits
The creation of a new sixth form college would offer several key benefits.
Location
The site is well connected via the M1, existing bus services, the proposed train station, and the East Leeds Orbital Road. It is also close to major new housing developments and accessible via established footpaths and bridleways, encouraging sustainable travel.
Partnerships
Collaboration with local academies would support clear feeder pathways and align provision across the city.
Curriculum
The college would offer a mix of academic and T Level routes, with employer-informed placements and progression pathways into higher education and technical careers.
Sustainability
The scheme promotes net zero through features such as photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points, and SuDS design, with a target of achieving BREEAM Excellent.
Trust expertise
Delta Academies Trust brings a strong track record in closing attainment gaps and supporting progression to leading universities.
Economic alignment
The college would support Leeds’ growth as a technology hub, creative centre, and major employment location. The Park has an established business community of over 100 organisations, giving students access to local employers, work experience and future career opportunities on their doorstep.
Have your say
View Exhibition BoardsThank you for visiting our online consultation on our proposals for a new sixth form college at Thorpe Park.
The project team hopes that you found these consultation materials informative. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your views on our proposals. You can do so by completing a feedback form on our website. Once the consultation period has closed on Friday 17 July 2026, we will review all feedback received and take this into consideration before we submit a planning application to Leeds City Council.
Project timeline
June-July 2026
Public Consultation
Autumn 2026
Application submitted
Spring 2027
Decision made by Leeds City Council (subject to change)
Autumn 2028
Targeted opening of the college (subject to planning approval)
Contact
The Team
For general enquiries please
contact the team.