Starting life as Skipton Mechanics’ Institute in 1825, Craven College has been part of the educational landscape of the Craven district ever since.
The Mechanics’ Institute’s movement was originally formed to provide adult education, particularly to working men, in the early part of the 19th Century as a means to improve adult numeracy and literacy. Craven College remains true to those technical roots with a vast number of vocational and apprenticeship courses in a diverse range of subjects, many specifically designed to provide the technical skills of the unique semi-rural community.
“The college has a long and rich heritage in delivering high-quality education and training in the heart of Skipton and the wider Craven communities. Our heritage as a technical and vocational college has continued to remain at the core of what we do, and this is something that I am extremely proud of.
200 years ago, we were helping to improve the life chances of the working adult population by teaching subjects such as writing, arithmetic, grammar, and Latin. Nowadays, we cover a huge range of subjects, but we are still very much focused on unlocking potential and changing lives.
Knowing where we have come from and understanding the reason why the college was started, helps to keep us inspired and motivated to continue this legacy into the future – hopefully for another 200 years!”
Anita Lall, Principal and CEO of Craven College
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We would love to hear from anyone connected to the College throughout the years, whether as a student, staff or simply anyone with a story to tell. Anyone who would like to share their memories and become a part of the College’s incredible journey should email: rbarratt@craven-college.ac.uk
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200 Voices
Our 200th anniversary celebration, “200 Voices,” brings together stories from the past and present—honoring the visionaries, students, and partners who shaped our journey, while showcasing the innovation and creativity that define our future. Here are just a few!
“I want Craven College to be viewed as a friend that people can turn to at different stages of their lives. Inevitably, there will be more changes in industry, employees will need to keep adapting and learning new skills. Our aim will be to help all sectors of the community from training for industry to those who are looking for a career change. I look forward to people increasingly turning to the College to assist them with their aims and ambitions.”
Alan Blackwell, Former Principal – 1995
“It was flattering to be invited back after 24 years and meet some up-and-coming chefs. I hope I was able to inspire them and help paint a picture of the challenges and rewards of the business.”
John Rudden, Former Student and Master-Chef – 2011
“I chose the General Diploma Course because it covers a wide range of business activities such as accounting, structure of business, office machinery and equipment, and typing. At the end of the course, I hope to obtain an office job with good prospects for promotion.”
David Howard, Former Student – 1979-1980
“The newbuild will dramatically improve the existing facilities for all land-based students to ensure their course delivery continues to meet and exceed employer needs now and in the future. Students will develop skills to work in a wide range of industries including wildlife rehabilitation and management, pet stores, zoos and animal collections, agriculture including open farms and farm parks, and game management, and to develop skills in relation to the management of habitats for wildlife.”
Robert Bellfield, Former Principal – 2018
“The Travel & Aviation Academy equips students with knowledge and practical skills to work in this dynamic industry. It is fantastic that we are able to extend our excellent provision for students from a wider geographical area who are looking for a career in aviation or travel."
Tina Gale, Former Manager of The Travel & Aviation Academy – 2012
“Your college is the cream of the crop when it comes to our Thistle Partnership. Over the past year you have worked to meet all of our criteria, as well as going above and beyond what we have asked of you, to offer your learners, and by extension our industry, the best possible opportunities to get people into the trade.”
Ryan Seeley, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – 2024
“Craven College provided me with adequate physical training and the correct mentality to approach a successful career in the forces which has resulted in where I am today.”
Harry Simpson 1st Batallion Royal Irish Regiment, Former Student – 2025
Craven College Over the Years
1825
Skipton Mechanics’ Institute
In 1825, Craven College began life as Skipton Mechanics’ Institute.
September 25, 1894
Science & Art School
The Science and Art School opened on the High Street.
1911
William T Shuttleworth – Organising Master
In 1911 William T Shuttleworth, Art Master was appointed “Organising Master” and later Principal of the Science and Art School.
1944
Skipton Art School and Technical Institution
As part of the boom for education in the later war-years, the Science and Art School was renamed to Skipton Art School and Technical Institution to reflect the changing ethos and direction of full-time education.
January 1954
Craven Institute for Further Education
In January 1954, Skipton Art School and Technical Institution was renamed and became the Craven Institute for Further Education alongside a national expansion of ‘Evening Institutes’.
April 01, 1974
The Craven College of Adult Education
A reorganisation of local government, and the resulting boundary changes influenced a name change once again to The Craven College of Adult Education. In the West Riding days, College was not allowed to provide full-time courses because they would compete with Keighley College. Once Craven became part of North Yorkshire, the move into full-time education was rapid.
January 1982
Craven College
January 1982 brought the appointment of the first female Principal of Craven College of Adult Education, Kate Hillman. During the early part of her tenure, a name change was once again effected, with the institution becoming Craven College, which it remains to this day.
1987
Aireville Campus
In 1989, work began on the new Aireville site, a £1.25 million development aimed at expanding educational facilities. The initial phase involved adapting the existing Aire block, which had previously been part of Aireville School, now known as The Skipton Academy.
1994
Old Fire Station & Auction Mart Campus
In 1994, the Old Fire Station was opened as the Hair and Beauty Annexe followed by the Auction Mart Campus to accommodate land-based courses.
2003
Tyro Training
Tyro Training was established in 2003 on the High Street in Skipton, as the business arm of Craven College.
In autumn 2018, Tyro Training relocated to the Auction Mart with the official launch of its Employment Hub.
September, 2005
Aviation Academy
In September 2005, The Aviation Academy opened its doors at its unique airside campus at Leeds Bradford airport.
September, 2011
Pen-y-ghent Building
The brand-new Pen-y-ghent building opened its doors to students in September 2011 with Sir Julian Smith MP officially opening the buiding in November of that year. The space offered extra facilities including The Hall, 20 teaching rooms, state-of-the-art science suite, Business Practice Suite, and Life Skills teaching area.
2015
Ribblehead
The brand-new £6.2 million Ribblehead building was completed in 2015, giving a dedicated space to develop the skills needed to support the construction industry.
June 29, 2018
Animal Management Centre
A bespoke £1.6m Animal Management Centre was opened at Aireville Campus in 2018.
November 04, 2022
Craven Arena
Craven College’s brand-new state-of-the-art equine event and training facility was opened by Team GB Silver Medallist Nicola Wilson.
2025
200 year Celebrations
Here’s to another 200 years of unlocking potential and changing lives!