It is an incredibly exciting time to study in Yorkshire.

Whilst Wakefield had just secured over £4million for cultural development after being identified as a national cultural hub, there is an influx of important cultural companies moving to the Leeds Enterprise Region including Channel 4 and Screen Yorkshire. 

Connected Backstage

Backstage Academy is located in the heart of Yorkshire allowing you to take advantage of not only what Wakefield has to offer, but also major cities like Leeds (20 mins away) and Sheffield (30 mins).

Creativity is in Yorkshire's DNA

Wakefield was recently voted in the top 20 ‘arty’ places to live by the Daily Telegraph, alongside places such as Oxford, Edinburgh, Bath, Camden and Stratford-upon-Avon. It was also voted one of the top places to live in Britain by the Sunday Times. 

Leeds is a hotbed of culture and was awarded the top spot in a list of the best cultural places to live with countless exhibitions, live performances and world famous music festivals. 

Live Music & Events

Wakefield has a flourishing live music scene with thriving venues including Unity Works, The Hop and Warehouse 23 - all with packed schedules. The city also hosts Long Division, an annual music and cultural festival that takes place across the city centre. 

Leeds is home to an eclectic and thriving music scene, with plenty of gigs and venues to suit any music-lover’s taste. From Brudenell Social Club, to the O2 Academy and Leeds First Direct Arena, you could catch anyone from the next big thing to the world’s biggest artists. The home of one of the UK’s biggest music festivals, Leeds Festival, is just 30 minutes away. 

Alternatively head to Sheffield, home of the Arctic Monkeys and its very own multi-venue festival, Tramlines.

Nightlife

There is a huge variety of nightlife to choose from in Wakefield and further afield in Leeds and Sheffield with something for everyone, from independent café bars and craft ale houses, to experimental cocktail bars and nightclubs. 


Get Out, Get Active

With the unrivalled Yorkshire countryside surrounding the city and three national parks on your doorstep, you won’t lack for green spaces in God’s Own Country. Adrenalin junkies looking for thrills can head to Xscape in Castleford to experience Snozone’s 170m real snow ski slope, laser tag and climbing. 

You Won't Be Lacking For Cultural Attractions

Creativity is engrained in Yorkshire’s DNA. Wakefield’s award-winning Hepworth Gallery, the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside of London, is the focal point of the regenerated Waterfront area, whilst further afield the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of the leading open-air art galleries in the world. 

Leeds is a hotbed of culture and was awarded the top spot in a list of the best cultural places to live with countless exhibitions, live performances and world famous music festivals.

Did Someone Say Field Trips...?

Learning can often be more effective outside the classroom, so we organise regular field trips to local venues and industry partners. Field trips enable you to develop your communication skills, resilience and management style through extra-curricular activity days and bespoke leadership training. 

Shop 'Til You Drop

When it comes to shopping, you can stay local and take advantage of Wakefield’s new Trinity Walks shopping centre or catch a 15 minute train into Leeds; rated the best UK city for shopping by the Rough Guide to Britain. From quirky independent stores to all the major high street names, there is something for everyone.

Take me back to the start...

Virtual Open Day Home