Our History

Brian Jackson College is owned and managed by Yorkshire Children Centre, who have been pioneering better support for young people with projects and services in the wider community since 1975.

View YCC’s timeline here Social Impact report

In 2001 ‘Project Cool’ was set up to meet the needs of young people 2001 (15-16) who were experiencing difficulties with school education. The aim was to help young people to:

  • Gain new skills
  • Improve reading and writing
  • Improve attendance
  • Be more confident about getting work

Project Cool was developed by the young people who attended – it was their ideas, their interests, and their needs that led the way.

In 2005 Project Cool grew into the Brian Jackson College of Open Learning, (BJ COOL) and was registered as an Independent School with OFSTED.

In 2009 the school moved to new premises in Heckmondwike and is now successfully supporting pupils from all areas of Kirklees.

During 2011 we renamed ourselves Brian Jackson College.

2018 Brian Jackson College successfully opened our 2nd provision in Huddersfield offering additional provision and increased facilities for vocational activity.