Wakefield School of Art

Wakefield School of Art, which later became part of Wakefield College, has a history rooted in the city's commitment to education in the arts. Its origins can be traced back to the Wakefield Industrial and Fine Arts Exhibition of 1865, which showcased local art and industry, highlighting the need for formal art education in the city. This led to the establishment of the School of Art and Craft in 1868. The institution evolved, becoming the Wakefield Technical and Arts College in the early 1960's and later the Wakefield College of Technology and Arts in 1973.

Bretton Hall College of Education, which focused on training arts teachers, was closely connected to Wakefield's educational landscape. The college was established on the Bretton Hall estate and played a significant role in arts education. Wakefield College has provided education and training in the Wakefield District since 1868, and today it is home to some 10,000 part-time and 3,000 full-time students.

Alumni included Derek Birdsall and Royal Academicians Vivian Pitchforth and Christopher Sanders.