IT ALL STARTS WITH
IT ALL STARTS HERE
There are lots of great reasons for adults to study at B&FC, not least because it’s:
AFFORDABLE
+ Most courses are FREE or have no upfront fees
+ £60 monthly bursary available*
+ Help with childcare costs*
+ Free or discounted 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass*
EMPLOYMENT- FOCUSED
+ Industry specialist tutors with up-to-date expertise
+ Multi-million-pound industry-standard facilities
+ Working with over 1,800 employer partners
+ Meaningful industry placements for full-time students
SUPPORTIVE
+ Convenient timetabling – most courses just 1 or 2 days a week with times to fit round the school run. Some evening study options
+ Small class sizes with lots of one-to-one support
+ Personalised support plan for every learner.
+ Award-winning careers advice to help you upskill or reskill
HIGHLY RATED
+ Over 125 years experience in adult technical and professional education
+ Top 50 apprenticeship provider at ratemyapprenticeship.com
+ Consistently over 90% in student satisfation surveys3
Eligibility criteria applies 1National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTS) from the Department for Education’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (2022/23) 2 HESA Graduate Outcomes survey respondents (2021/22) 3Post Induction survey, On Programme survey and end of Programme survey (2023/24)
SUCCESSFUL
+ Ranked in the top 16% of further education colleges in England for six consecutive years for student success1
+ Around 13,000 students choose to study with B&FC annually
+ 85% of graduates in work or further study within a year2
DON’T
WORRY IF YOU HAVEN’T STUDIED IN A WHILE. We have years of experience supporting adult learners back into the classroom.
IT ALL STARTS WITH SKILLS
Whether your career ambitions are big or small, we believe it’s never too late to achieve your full potential.
Maybe you’ve gone down a career path which now seems a long way from where you want to be. Or perhaps, you’re always passed over for promotion and want to gain the skills to increase your chances of success. You might even struggle with the basics which you know is holding you back. Whatever you want to achieve, we’ve got a wealth of experience and expertise to help you get there.
The even better news is that most of our Level 2 and 3 adult courses are fully funded (more on this later) and we try to plan our programmes to fit around work and family life to make them more accessible for adult learners.
There’s study support too and career guidance to make sure you’re on track to achieve your goals. At B&FC, we strive to be a college for the whole community, and we’ve made it easier than ever for you to achieve your ambitions. For the most up-to-date course information, please visit our website as some courses are subject to change BLACKPOOL.AC.UK
IT ALL STARTS WITH A HELPING HAND
Before you even start at B&FC, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether that’s helping you decide what course to do in the first place, getting your funding in order or giving you study aids to support your learning, our various student support teams are on hand to provide the support and guidance you need to achieve your ambitions and make the most of your time at college.
HERE'S WHAT WE OFFER…
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We can help you access all the financial support available to adult learners. We’re here if you need help filling in forms or to check you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
CAREERS SUPPORT
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we don’t just care about the here and now – we want to help you realise your future goals. Our Careers Team are on hand to give you specialist advice and guidance to improve your career prospects and help you land the perfect role.
STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT
Our team in the Learning Resource Centre can help you find the reference material you need to complete your coursework and there are specialists on hand if you’re struggling with a particular aspect of study.
SUPPORT FROM TUTORS
Our tutors have specialist industry knowledge which means they’re ideally placed to enrich your learning. Along with smaller class sizes which mean you have more one-to-one support, they can provide valuable feedback and give you a real insight into what working in the sector is like.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
We actively encourage applications from students who may need additional support to facilitate their learning. This includes students with physical disabilities, sensory loss, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and mental health issues. All our campuses are wheelchair-accessible and we have specialist teams in place to support a full range of disabilities and learning difficulties. We also have specialists who can look at funding arrangements to ensure you are not disadvantaged by your support needs.
CONFIDENCE
As well as all the practical support you need to complete your studies, we’ll also give you the tools to build your confidence. Not only will this have a positive impact on your education and career, but will give you the skills to meet life’s challenges head on and help you live the life you want to lead.
IT ALL STARTS WITH GETTING FUNDED
There’s plenty of financial help available for adults returning to education. Whether you are eligible for funding will depend on the course you choose and/or your personal circumstances.
If you are unemployed or on a low wage, for example, you might qualify for full funding. In other circumstances, you might only qualify for partial funding or you might need to take out a loan to cover the cost of all your tuition fees. But don’t worry, these are easy to access and don’t cost the earth.
To ensure you don’t miss out on potential funding, we always recommend speaking to one of our funding specialists. They will be able to check your eligibility and provide you with personalised advice regarding your entitlement.
You can contact our Course Enquiries Team on 01253 504343 for initial advice who will be able to refer on more complex queries.
ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS FOR LEVEL 3 COURSES
If your circumstances mean you can’t access a fully funded qualification, that doesn’t mean you can’t study with us. An Advanced Learner Loan is available which will cover the cost of your course fees.
It doesn’t depend on your household income and you don’t start paying anything back until you’re earning over £25,000 a year. Even then, you only pay back 9% of what you earn above this amount – it’s probably not as much as you think. There’s no credit check either and, after 30 years, your loan is written off even if you still have an outstanding amount.
OTHER FINANCIAL HELP
The following non-repayable financial support is available for eligible students:
+ £60 monthly bursary payment to help with course-related costs
+ Help with childcare costs
+ FREE or DISCOUNTED 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass
+ FREE circular bus services linking our Bispham Campus with Poulton-Le-Fylde
+ FREE healthy breakfast
+ DISCOUNTED council tax
There are also additional grants and bursaries available for adult learners, for which you may be eligible. To find out more visit gov.uk/grant-bursary-adult-learners
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE RIGHT COURSE
At B&FC, we offer a range of adult courses starting with the basics and going all the up to preparing for degree-level study. Our focus is primarily on professional and technical training designed to give your career prospects a boost and help you achieve your full potential.
We have a wealth of experience teaching adult learners and can help you develop the study skills you need to support your success.
FREE courses to improve your English, Maths and Computer Skills
For: People who need to upskill their numeracy, literacy and digital skills for onward progression Designed to: Give you essential skills for life, work and further study.
Delivered at: Seasiders Learning Centre at Blackpool Football Club, Fleetwood Learning Centre at The Hub (Monday – Friday daytime) and various outreach centres including Grange (Tuesday day/evening), Claremont (Wednesday morning), Mereside (Monday and Wednesday morning)
+ Levels to suit all abilities
+ FREE breakfast and food vouchers
+ £60 monthly bursary for those on a low wage or Universal Credit
+ Help with childcare costs
+ Learn in small groups at a centre near you
Start your learning anytime, contact us to arrange sign up. Call us between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 01253 504343 or email seasiderscourses@blackpool.ac.uk
FREE ESOL courses (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
For: People from non-English speaking backgrounds who want to improve their language skills
Designed to: Give you the confidence to communicate successfully to help you integrate into your local community and find work.
Delivered at: Seasiders Learning Centre at Blackpool Football Club, Fleetwood Learning Centre at The Hub (Monday-Friday daytime) and outreach centres in Revoe (Wednesday morning) and Boundary Park (Tuesday morning)
We offer ESOL classes at all levels so you can be sure to find one that’s right for you, contact us to arrange an assessment, these take place at Seasiders on Mondays and Fleetwood on Thursdays.
Our ESOL courses are designed to help you learn to communicate successfully in English helping you integrate into your local community and to find work. We offer classes at all levels so you can be sure to find one that’s right for you.
Call us between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 01253 504343 or email esol@blackpool.ac.uk
Level 2 and Level 3 Courses to Upskill and Reskill - FREE or with no upfront fees
For: Anyone who wants to upskill or reskill Designed to: Build knowledge, skills and behaviours in specific industries to boost your job prospects or help you find a new direction. Delivered at: Various campuses (please see our course list for details)
Our Level 2 and Level 3 diploma courses, lasting one and two years respectively, allow you to build specialist knowledge in a particular subject area with an emphasis on developing skills that are industry-relevant to help you progress in your chosen career. Level 2 courses are equivalent to GCSEs whilst Level 3 courses are equivalent to 2 A Levels.
FREE Construction Skills courses at Build Up
For: Anyone who has struggled to find employment Designed to: Provide people with the basic skills needed to start work in the construction industry. Delivered at: Kincraig Construction Centre
Our Build Up courses are aimed at people who want to gain basic skills in a variety of construction trades to give them the best chance of long-term employment in the sector.
As part of each programme, students have the chance to apply for a CSCS Green Labourers Card which gives them chance to access work on building sites nationwide.
To find out more about our Build Up courses, please email buildupenquiries@blackpool.ac.uk or call 01253 504680
FREE Prepare to Care course
For: Individuals who are looking to work in the health and social care sector
Designed to: Introduce learners to all the key elements of providing safe and effective care in a variety of settings.
Delivered at: Bickerstaffe House
Fully funded for eligible students, these entry-level programmes are an ideal opportunity for people seeking employment to gain a highly sought after skills set with multiple job vacancies available across the region.
The programme, which has three elements and runs on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during school hours, takes 10 weeks to complete.
To book a place on the programme, email susan.parker@blackpool.ac.uk or call 01253 504202
Or complete the referral form online at blackpoo.ac.uk/prepare-care
FREE Prepare for Children’s Social Care course
For: Individuals who are looking to work in children’s social care.
Designed to: Introduce learners to all the key elements of providing safe and effective care to children in a variety of settings.
Delivered at: Bickerstaffe House
Join our PREPARE FOR SOCIAL CARE course and take the first step towards a fulfilling career as a Residential Care Worker, Social Care Worker, or Youth Worker.
Whether you're helping children or young people, your role will be crucial in improving their quality of life and promoting their well-being. This sector offers diverse opportunities, job stability, and the chance to make a real impact every day.
Our comprehensive 6-week programme runs 3 days a week, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the social care sector.
To book a place on the programme, email info@blackpool.ac.uk or call 01253 504343
Leisure learning courses
Our leisure learning courses are designed to allow you to acquire additional skills and knowledge to support a special interest or hobby. These courses have no funding attached to them and tuition fees are payable for all learners, irrespective of circumstances.
COURSES
CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES
HAIR, BEAUTY AND RELATED THERAPIES
HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONS
school leavers They are for adult students too. And they aren’t just for new starters either. People who are already employed can do an apprenticeship if their employer is willing to sign up for the programme as well.
In fact, apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds; the chance to work towards a nationallyrecognised qualification and develop your career at the same time.
HOW APPRENTICESHIPS WORK?
If you already have an employer willing to offer you an apprenticeship, it’s simply a case of matching to the apprenticeship standards currently available. Otherwise, you will need to secure an apprenticeship by applying for and securing an apprenticeship vacancy.
Once your apprenticeship is up and running, you will usually spend four days a week working, acquiring skills on-the-job, and one day a week in off-the-job training, developing your skills and knowledge at college.
office administration, hairdressing, engineering, catering and the construction trades. They are equivalent to GCSE level study.
Advanced (Level 3) Apprenticeships are equivalent to A Level study and a step up from Intermediate Apprenticeships. For people who already have work experience under their belt or qualifications that allow them to enter the job market on the next rung of the ladder, Advanced Apprenticeships include vacancies with more supervisory responsibilities or which require a higher level of technical skill.
HIGHER AND DEGREE
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships are a highquality alternative to the traditional degree route, combining skilled on-the-job training with higher level study. They are particularly suited to young people who want to start working directly after college or sixth form without sacrificing the opportunity to gain a degree-level qualification as well as existing employees who want to fast track their career to progress more quickly up the corporate ladder by gaining both valuable on-thejob training coupled with sought after qualification.
FIND
Bispham Campus | Ashfield Road | FY2 0HB University Centre | Park Road | FY1 4ES
For address and contact information for all campuses visit blackpool.ac.uk/our-locations
COME AND TALK TO US COMMUNITY EVENTS
B&FC’s Adult Learning Team will be out and about in the local community this Spring, holding drop-in sessions at local libraries and community centres where you can find out more about these courses, our HE programmes and all the support we offer to adult learners.
You can find all the latest information about these sessions on our dedicated Open Days and Events page at blackpool.ac.uk/events
OPEN EVENTS
If you can’t commit to study just yet, there is full range of adult courses starting again in September 2025. Our next Open Event is on: Saturday 14 June 2025 | 10.30am - 2pm
This is your chance to meet our expert tutors, see our fantastic facilities and chat to specialist teams who can guide you through careers choice finance, study support and more.
For more information, check out our website at blackpool.ac.uk/events
Once you submit your application, our Admissions Team will be in touch to guide you through the next stages of your application and enrolment. NEED SOME HELP?
Call our friendly Course Enquiries Team for a chat about applying on 01253 504 343
