Blackpool and The Fylde College, College B&FC

• Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, England,
• Age of students: from 16 years old,
• Type of study: blended,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Number of learners: Approximately 13,000 students and apprentices.

• Institution type: College of further and higher education,
• Programs: Full-time and part-time further education, higher education and professional courses, and internships.

Blackpool and The Fylde College is a regional teaching partner of Lancaster University. B&FC's academic standards are considered among the best in the industry, with the college ranked in the top 3% of further education colleges in England for the sixth year in a row.

As a B&FC student, they gain a wealth of experience in their chosen industry. The college is renowned for its professional faculty, top-notch equipment that meets industry standards, and a strong support network that allows students to personalize their learning experience.

B&FC has provided technical and professional education for more than 125 years. Together with Furness College, it forms a unified college group and leads the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology.

All courses at Blackpool and The Fylde College include a combination of theoretical and practical classes: college education assumes that the student will be responsible for his or her own success through independent work on campus and at home.

Student services offer individual guidance, help with mental health concerns, and assistance with practical difficulties. The careers team helps students plan their professional development. KeyLinks brings together core texts and recommended reading for each course.

Gateway offers individual schedules. Students are placed in English and math groups based on BKSB assessments of their skills in these subjects. The curriculum includes both subjects, a vocational option, personal development, and the opportunity to gain work experience. Progress is assessed regularly and discussed with students. Separate sessions offer help with missed work and areas where extra support is needed, while workshops build confidence and resilience.

At Fleetwood Learning Centre, students are assigned to in-person or online classes after their skill level has been assessed. They can take exams as soon as they are ready, potentially earlier than expected, and receive an accredited certificate when they pass. Lancashire Energy HQ offers flexible options, including designated study days and workplace learning. The center has over 1,800 employer partnerships.

Students ages 16–18 can study the following subjects:

• Automotive and Motorsport,
• Business and Enterprise,
• Children, Young People and Families,
• Computing and Digital Technologies,
• Construction,
• Creative Arts, including fine art and other creative subjects,
• Engineering,
• English, with a focus on technical, professional, and creative writing,
• Hair, Beauty and Related Therapies,
• Health and Social Care,
• Hospitality, Culinary Skills and Events Management,
• Mathematics,
• Media Production, Film and Television,
• Performing Arts and Music,
• Public Services, preparing students for government and community roles,
• Science,
• Sport, Leisure and Recreation,
• Teaching and Learning Support,
• Travel and Tourism.

The college's broader range of subjects also includes:

• Agriculture, Animal Care and Environment,
• Legal, Finance and Accounting,
• Sales, Marketing and Procurement.

During the first term of 2024/25, B&FC supported 10 charities, donating over 1100 items to local organizations.

One Gateway student who had been homeschooled and had no formal qualifications passed GCSEs (secondary school exams) in math and English within a year, then transitioned to a Level 3 science course.

Student satisfaction at Lancashire Energy HQ consistently exceeds 90%.

B&FC provides students with a free shuttle bus service to the Bisfam campus – from and to Poulton-le-Field train station with intermediate stops.

B&FC encourages students to take part in many enrichment activities: they promote confidence-building, social and life skills. Every week after the end of classes, the college has a Youth Club: this is an opportunity for staff and students to build relationships in an informal setting.

Activities throughout the year include:

• Sports, volunteering, creative workshops, and lectures,
• Charity events and participation in the national Good for ME Good for FE campaign,
• At Gateway, a soccer team for students of different abilities, with after-class training, matches, and competitions,
• At Gateway, incentive trips, attendance awards, and the annual Star Awards celebrating student achievement, with overnight trips also planned.

• B&FC holds a triple gold TEF rating, a measure of teaching quality in higher education,
• In its 2025 report, Ofsted rated the college Good overall, with four areas rated Outstanding,
• The college has the authority to award its own degrees,
• Lancashire Energy HQ holds STEM Assured status for science and technology training that meets industry needs,
• Lancashire Energy HQ offers programs accredited by the Engineering Council through the IET.

The educational process of B&FC takes place on 9 sites:

• Bispham Campus,
• University Centre,
• Fleetwood Nautical Campus,
• Gateway Campus,
• Seasiders Blackpool Learning Centre,
• Fleetwood Learning Centre,
• Lancashire Energy HQ,
• Bickerstaffe House,
• Development Center.

For comfortable learning, the college is equipped with:

• A library with an extensive database of reference materials,
• Cafes and restaurants,
• Recreation areas,
• Gym
• Fast Wi-Fi throughout the territory,
• The Loop Learning Resource Center,
• Hairdresser and beauty salon,
• B & FC Fun Casino,
• Gallery
• Theatre
• Pool.

B&FC students are provided with:

• Access to printed and e-books and magazines,
• One-on-one, group classes and online support,
• Lots of different learning areas, including group learning areas, a digital lounge, and quiet study areas,
• PCs, Macs and laptops,
• Printing, scanning and photocopying facilities,
• Self-service kiosks – allow you to quickly and easily check, renew and return books,
• Free laptop rental through the iLockerz self-service service,
• Access to help and support,
• Access to learning resources, including SensusAccess and read/write software.

The academic year at B&FC runs from September to June, divided into 3 terms. Admission weeks and holidays:

• October Student Promotion Week,
• Christmas holidays,
• February Student Promotion Week,
• Easter holidays,
• May Student Promotion Week,
• Summer holidays.

Additional costs:

• Visa fee,
• Registration fee,
• Migration,
• Transfer,
• Residence,
• Nutrition,
• Transport,
• Medical insurance,
• Personal expenses,
• Activities and excursions,
• Stationery that students purchase themselves,
• Photocopying and replacement of a lost student ID,
• Specialized equipment, study materials, and workwear for certain courses.

Prior to admission, B&FC applicants will receive the following information via email:

• detailed information about the course you are interested in,
• detailed information about the full cost of the course,
• B&FC's policy on international fees,
• eligibility to participate in the course,
• a guide to B&FC International, including visa information,
• information about the required IELTS level,
• Application form.

All of this information will allow the applicant to make an informed decision as to whether they want to proceed with their application and what to do next.

International applications must be received by May 31 at the latest, so it is recommended to submit applications as early as possible.

Upon receipt of the completed application form, the B&FC Admissions Office will contact the applicant and request the documents needed to make a decision on the application. The documents will then be verified, the college will email the candidate with their unique student number, which must be used in all correspondence, and a detailed schedule of follow-up communications will be provided at the same stage.

It is important to note that all fees must be paid in full prior to receiving the CAS. A CAS is the confirmation of acceptance for study needed to apply for a student visa.

B&FC works closely with the country's industrial companies: such partnerships are the basis for the creation of technical and vocational education that develops the skills, knowledge and qualities necessary for employers to promote their business. B&FC provides its students with ample job opportunities.

97% of students transition into employment or further study.

• International applicants need IELTS for UKVI, the version of the English test used for UK visa and immigration purposes, with an overall score of 6.0 and at least 5.5 in each of the four components,
• Gateway applicants have an interview and an initial assessment, with their choice of vocational option discussed during the meeting,
• Fleetwood Learning Centre applicants have a guidance interview and an assessment of their starting level,
• B&FC considers more than academic achievement when making admissions decisions.

B&FC scholarships are not available for international students.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision