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Supporting young minds and building bright futures for 16-25 year olds.

Welcome from the Head of Further Education

I am pleased to introduce the William Henry Smith Specialist College and share our unique way of working, which enables young people to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives of their own choosing.

Our multidisciplinary, bespoke approach, places our young people at the centre of everything we do. Our highly skilled and specialist teaching, support and therapeutic team, work with each young person to ensure their needs are fully met and that every achievement takes them closer to reaching their individual goals.

We prepare our young people for adult life, through person-centred academic and vocational study programmes, leading to them becoming more independent and improving their quality of life. By working together, we increase resilience, confidence, self-esteem, emotional intelligence and well-being: the cornerstones on which strong and successful long-term futures are built.

We welcome visitors throughout the year and look forward to hearing from you.

Leanne Clarke, Vice Principal, William Henry Smith Foundation
Leanne Clarke
Head of Further Education
Specialist College
What we offer

We support young adults aged 16–25 with a wide range of social, emotional and mental health needs. Everything we do is designed to help our learners become the best they can be through a bespoke, multidisciplinary approach.

Two college students and a member of staff sitting around a table looking at laptops
Education & Development

We create individual study programmes that combine academic and vocational learning, guided by the ‘Preparation for Adulthood’ framework.

Our focus is on building independence, resilience, confidence, emotional intelligence and well-being so that every learner is ready for a fulfilling future.
Lady looking down at desk with student
Support and therapeutic care

Our learners benefit from the support of a highly skilled team of teachers, support staff and therapeutic professionals, working together in a trauma-informed way.

We also take safeguarding seriously, with dedicated professionals, including a Social Worker and Family Intervention Support Worker, to ensure both learners and families feel safe and supported.
Male working in a kitchen looking down
Preparing for Adulthood

We provide a comprehensive careers programme that includes one-to-one guidance, workshops, careers fairs and real-world work experiences.

Our approach is aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring every learner can make informed choices and explore opportunities for further education, training, employment or independent living.

Our Community Partners

Visit https://brighouse.calderdale.sch.uk/sixth-form/apply/ website
Visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/ website
Visit https://cooperkitchenandbar.co.uk/ website
Visit https://elland-hub.org.uk/ website
Visit https://engageintheirfuture.org/ website
Visit https://www.go-educate.com/ website
Visit https://www.mind.org.uk/ website
Visit https://natspec.org.uk/ website
On Trak Community Initiative Logo
Visit https://www.projectcolt.org.uk/ website
Visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ website

  • Latest information

  • "The individual approach that the staff take has had a meaningful and lasting impact on my son. He has been treated as an equal, understood and accepted exactly as he is. After crashing out of mainstream school because his needs weren’t met, he is now in an environment where he is thriving. His interests have been noticed, nurtured and developed with a level of dedication that truly goes above and beyond."

    Parent

  • "I’ve really enjoyed working at the food banks and charity shop. Staff support has been brilliant and it has improved my chances of getting a job by miles! I might like to be a bricklayer and the construction course and art lessons have helped me. I feel welcome in College and I have made some good friends here."

    Student

  • "The care for the boys and passion for giving them the best opportunities is evident. Students were friendly and welcoming and it was clear they had developed strong, positive relationships with staff. Their pride in their work and sense of contribution to the College community was clear to see."

    Sophie Baxter, Further Education Governor