IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU.
START JAN-MAR 2026
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
+ Help with childcare costs
+ Free or discounted 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass for eligible students
EMPLOYMENT-FOCUSED
+ Industry-specialist tutors with up-to-date expertise
+ Multi-million-pound industry-standard facilities
+ Working with over 1,800 employer partners
+ Industry placements for full-time students
HIGHLY RATED
+ Over 125 years experience in adult technical and professional education
+ Top 50 apprenticeship provider at ratemyapprenticeship.com
SUPPORTIVE
+ Convenient – most courses just 1 or 2 days a week with times to fit round the school run
+ 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
SUCCESSFUL
+ Rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our Adult Learning Programmes
+ Ranked in the top 16% of further education colleges in England for student success1
+ Around 13,000 students choose to study with B&FC annually
DON’T WORRY IF YOU HAVEN’T STUDIED IN A WHILE
We have years of experience supporting adult learners back into the classroom.
SKILLS
Getting you to where you want to be
Whether your ambitions are big or small, we believe it’s never too late to reach your full potential.
Maybe you’ve ended up in a job which is not 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.
Support and encouragement every step of the way
Don’t worry that you can’t afford it, don’t have the time or might find going back to the classroom overwhelming. Most of our Level 2 and 3 qualifications for adults are fully funded (more on this later) and we try to plan our courses to fit around work and family life.
There’s plenty of study support too and career guidance to help you make the best choices.
At B&FC we aim to serve 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, getting your funding in order or giving you study aids to support your learning, our student support teams are on hand to provide the advice and guidance you need to achieve your ambitions and make the most of your time at college.
Here’s what we offer…
Financial Support
Whilst there’s plenty of financial support out there, we can help you access it. We’re here if you need support 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 can give you a real insight into what working in the sector is like. Smaller class sizes also mean you’ll get more oneto-one support with valuable feedback to help you improve your final result.
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.
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 issues. We also have specialists who can look at funding arrangements to ensure you are not disadvantaged by your support needs.
IT ALL STARTS WITH GETTING FUNDED
There’s plenty of financial help available for adults returning to education, but funding will depend both on the course you choose and/or your personal circumstances.
There are occasions, like if you are unemployed or on a low wage, when you might qualify for full or partial funding. And some where you may need to take out a loan to cover the cost of 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 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 or partially 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’ve completed your course and are earning over £25,750 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. The table below gives you an idea of what your monthly payments will be at different income levels.
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.
Other Non Repayable Financial Support for eligible students
HELP with childcare costs
DISCOUNTED council tax
FREE healthy breakfast
FREE or DISCOUNTED 24/7 Blackpool
Transport travel pass
WITH
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
There’s plenty of financial help available for adults returning to education, but funding will depend both on the course you choose and/or your personal circumstances.
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. Whatever course you choose, our focus is always on developing the skills you need to boost your career and help you achieve your full potential.
With the wealth of experience we have teaching adult learners, you can be confident you’ll get all the help you need to succeed even if you’ve been out of education for years.
Level 2 and Level 3 Courses to Upskill and Reskill - FREE or 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 course list for details)
Our Level 2 and Level 3 courses 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.
Our Level 2 courses are equivalent to GCSEs and allow you to build strong foundational knowledge in your subject area before progressing onto a more challenging Level 3 course.
Level 3 courses are equivalent to 2 A levels and provide the employment-focused skills and knowledge that can either boost your job prospects or lead to higher level study.
FREE Courses for Jobs
For: Anyone aged 19 or over who is unemployed or earning below £25,750
Designed to: Give you the skills that will help you secure a job or get a better paid one if you are already employed.
Delivered at: Various campuses (please see course list for details)
You will see on our course lists on pages 11-13, that some courses are flagged as FREE Courses for Jobs. If you meet the eligibility criteria, these courses are fully funded even if you already have a Level 3 qualification or higher.
New for 2025-26: Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are short, intensive courses designed to give you the skills that employers are looking for. They’re a great opportunity to train in a new industry or progress your current career.
B&FC Skills Bootcamps include:
+ NextGen AutoTech
+ Sustainable Chef
+ Cultural Leadership
To find out more, visit our dedicated web page at blackpool.ac.uk/bootcamps
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, complete the referral form at blackpool.ac.uk/prepare-care
Or contact Susan Parker on susan.parker@blackpool.ac.uk or 01253 504202
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 Children’s Social Care course and take the first step towards a fulfilling career as a Residential Care Worker, Social Worker or Youth Worker.
Whether you are working with children or young adults, your role will be crucial tin improving their quality of life and promoting their well-being. The sector offers diverse opportunities, job stability and the chance to make a real difference every day. Our comprehensive six-week programme which runs over three days each week will provide 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 Continued...
FREE ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses
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 and Fleetwood Learning Centre
Our ESOL courses are designed to help you learn to communicate successfully in English to help you integrate into your local community and 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
To sign up just turn up to one of the assessment sessions: Seasiders (Blackpool) Tuesdays 2.15pm or Fleetwood Learning Centre: Fridays 11.30am
Before you start your ESOL course, we will need to check your eligibility to study in the UK.
FREE courses to improve your English, Maths and Computing Skills
For: Adults who want to improve their basic skills
Designed to: Provide people with the basic skills to help you progress into further study, apprenticeship or work.
Delivered at: Seasiders Learning Centre at Blackpool Football Club, Fleetwood Learning Centre at The Hub and various outreach and community centres.
BASIC SKILLS: MATHS, ENGLISH AND COMPUTING
+ Levels to suit all abilities
+ FREE breakfast and food vouchers
+ Help with childcare costs
Enrol at any time – new classes start each week
For more information, please contact 01253 504693 or seasiderscourses@blackpool.ac.uk
FREE Construction Skills courses at Build Up
For: Anyone who has struggled to find lasting 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
Non-funded leisure learning courses
In addition to our career-focused courses, we also offer a range of non-funded leisure-learning options for people who want to study simply for pleasure.
This might involve learning a new hobby, skill or craft, or improving one you already do.
COURSES
The courses are competitively priced and full tuition fees are payable by all learners.
Easy to arrange, you can either make an enquiry through our website or contact our Course Enquiries Team directly on 01253 504343.
SKATES ON
Fast Track to Degree Courses
If you have your heart set on doing a degree but don’t have the right entry requirements, one of our fast-track courses could give you access to higher-level study.
Below is a list of the courses we are offering this January designed to prepare you to progress directly onto a related degree-level qualification with us.
FAST TRACK TO DEGREE COURSES
WHAT’S MORE
If you’re unemployed or on a low income, you will get your fast-track course fully funded which is even more reason to enrol.
ADULT COURSES
Adult Social Care Certificate (Workforce Development) - Level 2
Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care (Dementia Pathway) - Level 3
Understanding Mental Health (Mental Health Pathway) - Level 3
Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings (Prepare for Childrens Social Care) - Level 1
Helping Skills - Level 2
to Culinary Skills - Entry Level 3
Sustainable Chef Skills Bootcamp - Wave 6
on a higher or degree-level programme and have all the right entry requirements in place, you might want to check out these qualifications which all start at the beginning of 2026.
+ Cyber Security – Certificate of Higher Education
+ Advanced Personal Training – Level 4
+ Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges (SEND Pathway) – Level 4
+ Nutrition for Health, Weight Management and Sports Performance – Level 4
And, if these aren’t quite what you’re looking for, remember that we have full range degree programmes starting in September each year, which you can apply for today.
Just check out our degree page on the website at blackpool.ac.uk/degrees
Great Reasons to Choose a Degree at B&FC
No upfront fees and lots of non-repayable financial support
Small class sizes taught by industry experts
Relevant work/ voluntary experience considered as well as formal qualifications
Study from just one or two days a week
Timetabling to fit around you
TEF Gold rated college Overall and for Student Experience and Student Outcomes *
*Rated in September 2023 and lasts for four years
IT ALL STARTS ON THE JOB
Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. They are for anyone over 16. And they are not simply designed for new starters either. Existing employees can do an apprenticeship too provided their employer is happy to get on board.
In fact, apprenticeships offer the best of all worlds. For apprentices, it’s the chance to work towards a nationally-recognised qualification and earn a regular salary. For employers, it’s the opportunity to develop a highly skilled team attuned to the needs of their business.
What’s more, there are no tuition fees for apprentices to pay and employers, whose payroll is under £3 million, can get at least 95% of the fees paid by the Government.
How do apprenticeships work?
If you already have an employer willing to offer you an apprenticeship, it’s simply a case of matching your job to one of the nearly 900 different apprenticeship standards currently available. Otherwise, you will need to secure an apprenticeship vacancy.
Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised in much the same way as job vacancies and the way you secure one is very similar. You will need to send in your CV, get through the selection process and be successful at interview –all preparation we can help you with at B&FC.
Once your apprenticeship is up and running, you will usually spend four days a week working, acquiring on-the-job skills, and one day a week in off-the-job training, developing your skills and knowledge at college.
Which apprenticeship should I choose?
Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships
Intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeships are offered in a wide range of entry level positions with an emphasis on traditional skills such as bookkeeping, 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 some 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 Apprenticeships
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 frequently offered by larger organisations which have established apprenticeship programmes and are particularly suited to young people who want to start working directly after college as well as existing employees who want to fast track their careers by gaining valuable on-the-job training coupled with a sought-after qualification.
For more on apprenticeships, visit blackpool.ac.uk/ apprenticeship-home
IT ALL STARTS WITH MAKING THE FIRST MOVE.
APPLY TODAY
If you’ve chosen your course, we recommend you apply online as soon as possible to secure your place. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and, if courses are oversubscribed, you could miss out.
OPEN ENROLMENT
If you’ve made a last-minute decision to return to study and your course starts at the beginning of January, we recommend coming down to one of our Open Enrolment days where you can talk to tutors, make an application, arrange funding and enrol all at the same time. These are held on:
Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 January 2026 | 1pm – 7pm | Bispham Campus
NOT READY TO STUDY JUST YET?
Save the Dates
If you can’t commit to a course at the moment, there are options later on in the year. There are more adult courses starting between April and August this year and then a full range of courses starting again in September. To find out more about these, join us for one our next Open Events on:
Wednesday 5 March 2025 | 4.30pm - 7pm Saturday 14 June 2025 | 10.30am - 2pm For more information on all our Open Events go to blackpool.ac.uk/events
Call our friendly Course Enquiries Team for a chat about applying on 01253 504 343
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once you submit your application, our Admissions Team will be in touch to guide you through the next stages of your application and enrolment.