perkup

A new Hartlepool College initiative is rewarding young people for choosing their next step, and bringing local businesses along for the journey.

Hartlepool is a town of tenacity, resilience, and huge potential. But we also know the challenges our young people face. More school leavers than ever are at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education, or training), and the ripple effects of that are felt across families, businesses, and the wider community for years.

When a young person decides to apply to college, they're making an enormously meaningful decision not just for their own lives, but for everyone around them. They're choosing to invest in themselves, in their future, and - whether they know it yet or not - in this town. PerkUp is our way of celebrating that decision, and helping our community celebrate it too. 

Latest offers from our PerkUp Partners:

With more to follow - Interested in becoming a PerkUp Partner? Register now here.

How It Works - For Applicants:

Once you've applied to Hartlepool College, you're eligible to collect your PerkUp card, a physical card that unlocks exclusive offers from local businesses across Hartlepool all summer.

Your card is yours to keep from the moment you collect it through to enrolment. From discounts on prom prep to summer plans, food, travel, and evenings out, PerkUp is designed to help you make the most of your summer before coming to Hartlepool College and continuing to enjoy all the benefits of being a learner here. Apply now for September 2026 and start planning your future!

How to get your card: Simply visit Hartlepool College, provide your name, and our team will confirm your applicant status and provide you with your card. Present this at any participating business to enjoy your exclusive discounts.

PerkUp cards are available to Hartlepool College applicants. Valid May  - September 2026, then January - September thereafter.

How It Works -  For Businesses:

PerkUp is built on a simple idea: when local businesses invest in local young people, everyone wins.

By joining PerkUp, you're supporting a new generation of workers, customers, and community members, and letting them know that this town has their back. You're also bringing new footfall through your door at exactly the time of year when 16–18 year olds have summer in their sights. As a PerkUp Partner, you'll have a featured listing on the Hartlepool College website and social media channels, access to a new local audience, and be a part of an important community initiative. Interested in becoming a PerkUp Partner? Register now here.