Burnley College: Lancashire's Largest Post-16 Provider with Outstanding Personal Development

From its modern £115 million campus in the heart of Pennine Lancashire, Burnley College has served the region's post-16 learners for nearly two centuries. The college traces its roots to 1834, when a meeting at a local foundry established the Burnley Mechanics' Institute. Today it ranks 1st in Burnley for A-level outcomes, offering one of the largest subject selections in the county with 42 A-level subjects, 17 vocational pathways, and 7 T-level routes. The March 2025 Ofsted inspection rated personal development as Outstanding, though leadership and management issues led to an overall Requires Improvement judgement. With over 4,100 young learners, 1,200 adult students, and nearly 1,000 apprentices, this is further education on a significant scale.

The college occupies a purpose-built campus on Princess Way that opened in 2009 following an £80 million investment in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire. The building's contemporary architecture reflects a forward-looking ethos captured in the college's mission to Build Futures and Change Lives. Wide corridors link specialist teaching blocks, industry-standard workshops, and social spaces designed to accommodate the daily flow of several thousand students.

The atmosphere is purposeful but welcoming. Students describe feeling valued and supported by staff who take a genuine interest in their progress. The nurturing environment noted by inspectors creates a sense of belonging that helps young people transition from school to adult learning. Behaviour is respectful and positive. Students arrive prepared to learn, are punctual, and treat each other and staff with courtesy.

Recent leadership turbulence has tested institutional confidence. The former principal left in early 2025 amid an investigation into data accuracy, and the subsequent Ofsted inspection downgraded the college from Good to Requires Improvement. Jason Faulkner, who successfully helped drive the Education Training Collective in Tees Valley to an Outstanding rating, joins as Principal and Chief Executive in February 2026. His arrival signals a commitment to rebuilding governance and restoring trust.

The campus security infrastructure includes advanced CCTV coverage, a 24-hour security team, ID badge systems, and the SafeZone emergency response app. Students report feeling safe on site.

A-level performance places Burnley College in a solid position among England's providers. The college ranks 1132nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle 35% of sixth form providers in England (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 1st among providers in Burnley.

In terms of grade distribution, 5.4% of entries achieved A*, while 15.4% achieved A grades. Just over half of all entries, 52.2%, achieved grades A*-B, slightly above the England average of 47.2%. These figures represent genuine student attainment following the data corrections mandated by Ofsted. The 2024 results showed a 99.6% pass rate across all A-level subjects, with 30.6% of students achieving A*-A grades and 68.9% achieving A*-B.

T-level results complement the A-level picture strongly. The 98.7% pass rate across T-levels in Health, Healthcare Science, Design, Surveying, Construction, and Digital Production demonstrates the college's vocational strengths.

Progress measures should be interpreted with caution given the recent data accuracy concerns. The college's own published achievement rates were found to have been inflated, particularly for Level 3 vocational and A-level courses. New leadership is committed to accurate reporting going forward.

The college delivers education across 42 A-level subjects, ranging from traditional academic disciplines to applied subjects. Sciences taught separately from entry include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while humanities options span History, Geography, Politics, and Philosophy. Creative subjects include Art, Drama, Media Studies, and Music Technology. Modern and classical languages, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and English Literature complete a comprehensive offering.

Teaching follows structured approaches with clear expectations. Tutors have strong subject knowledge and plan lessons effectively. The inspection found that most students and apprentices attend regularly and come prepared to learn. However, inspectors noted that some tutors do not fully check student progress, and feedback systems need strengthening. Attendance remains too low on some vocational programmes, an issue the college is actively addressing.

Class sizes vary by subject but remain manageable. The tutorial system provides regular academic oversight alongside teaching. Each student receives guidance on target grades, progression pathways, and university or career preparation.

Specialist facilities enhance the learning experience significantly. The Science, Health and Education block, which opened in 2022 following a £4 million investment, houses DNA amplification laboratories, a hospital ward complete with robot patients, and a 3D anatomage table for anatomical study. Early years students benefit from a dedicated sensory learning environment.

In 2024, 29% of the cohort of 1,705 leavers progressed to university. This figure sits below the sector average but reflects the college's broad mission serving students with diverse aspirations. Many opt for apprenticeships (14%), direct employment (29%), or further education (4%).

For those pursuing higher education, the pipeline to competitive universities functions effectively. Six students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with one securing a place at Cambridge. An exceptional 97% of university applicants in 2024 were accepted by their first-choice institution.

The college does not publish detailed Russell Group destination breakdowns, but students have secured places at universities including Cambridge, Oxford, and other leading institutions. The Careers Hub in the main atrium provides dedicated support for UCAS applications, personal statement preparation, and interview practice.

Apprenticeship destinations deserve equal attention. The college's Themis Apprenticeships division offers programmes across eight industry areas, including degree apprenticeships. The Outstanding rating for adult learning programmes reflects the quality of vocational and professional pathways available.

Higher education can also be pursued on campus. Burnley College University Courses offers HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, full degrees, PGCEs, and Masters qualifications in partnership with accredited universities. Students can progress from Level 3 to postgraduate study without leaving Burnley.

Entry to Burnley College is open to all students aged 16 and over. There are no entrance examinations or catchment restrictions. Students apply directly through the college's online portal at apply.burnley.ac.uk.

The priority application deadline is 31 March, though the college accepts applications after this date subject to availability. Early application is encouraged so students can focus on GCSE examinations and receive information about enrichment activities and the Applicant Preview Day in June.

The application process follows four steps. Students browse courses and select their preferred programme, create an account on the application portal, complete their personal details, and attend an interview with college staff. Predicted grades are requested but not required at initial submission.

Enrolment takes place in person from late August. Students must bring their GCSE results and photographic identification such as a passport or birth certificate. Those who applied before the deadline receive their enrolment pack by email in August.

For students uncertain about their pathway, the School Liaison Team offers one-to-one appointments to discuss options. The Admissions Team can be contacted at 01282 733333 for further assistance.

Open evenings run throughout the year, typically in autumn and spring. These events allow prospective students to tour facilities, meet tutors and current students, and receive advice from the guidance team. Specific dates should be checked on the college website.

Personal development achieved the only Outstanding rating outside adult learning in the March 2025 inspection. Inspectors found that learners and apprentices thrive, grow in character, and broaden their outlook on life at college. Students develop a sense of belonging and genuinely enjoy their studies.

The support infrastructure is comprehensive. A dedicated learning development team assists students with additional needs. Health and wellbeing services are available on campus. Financial support resources help students from lower-income backgrounds. Travel and transport assistance ensures distance is not a barrier to attendance.

Tutorial support provides regular touchpoints for academic and personal guidance. Tutors and trainers provide a caring learning environment where students feel welcome and valued. The atmosphere is nurturing without being overprotective; students are expected to take responsibility for their learning while knowing support is available when needed.

The college promotes respect and responsibility throughout the student experience. A Core Value Award recognises students who exemplify the college's ethos. Safeguarding procedures are in place with trained staff and clear reporting mechanisms.

Mental health awareness has grown in priority. Students can access counselling and wellbeing services. The SafeZone app provides an additional layer of security and emergency response capability.

Sport and Fitness

The on-campus Fitness Evolution centre offers professional-grade facilities that would rival many commercial gyms. Equipment includes a fully equipped gym, cryotherapy suite, environmental chamber for altitude training, climbing wall, dance studio, and 4G football pitches. Sports Enrichment programmes provide structured pathways for students with competitive ambitions alongside recreational participation.

Creative and Performing Arts

Performance spaces include a theatre with harlequin floors designed for dance and drama productions. The BC Juniors Dance Academy, serving children aged 3 to 11 from the local community, feeds future talent into the college. Media students access high-specification production rooms. Music Technology facilities support contemporary composition and recording.

STEM

The Security Operations Centre provides hands-on cybersecurity training in a simulated professional environment. Two esports suites cater to the growing competitive gaming sector with professional-grade equipment. The additive manufacturing lab houses 3D printing capabilities alongside 5-Axis CNC machines and CAD suites. Automation and robotics suites prepare students for Industry 4.0 careers.

Vocational Excellence

Construction and engineering facilities span multiple workshop spaces. Plumbing and electrical workshops simulate real on-site conditions. The Industry Hub contains joinery and furniture workshops large enough to construct an entire house including the roof. The Low Carbon Hub features photovoltaic training rigs, smart home systems, and solar panel installations demonstrating renewable energy technologies. A dedicated Worcester Bosch gas training centre provides manufacturer-certified qualifications.

Travel and Tourism

The travel suite contains real aircraft fuselage sections, a baggage check-in desk, security scanner, and travel agency desk for immersive industry training.

Beauty and Wellbeing

Professional treatment spaces include massage bays, nail stations, and pedicure spa chairs. Partnerships with Nouveau and Dermalogica provide industry-standard products and techniques. Treatments are available to the public, giving students client-facing experience.

The college operates standard hours for most programmes, with teaching typically running between 9:00am and 5:00pm depending on timetable. Some vocational programmes include workshop sessions that extend into late afternoon. The campus is located at Princess Way, Burnley Town Centre, BB12 0AN.

Public transport links serve the campus well given its town centre location. Bus services connect to surrounding towns and villages. Burnley Manchester Road railway station is approximately 15 minutes walk from campus. Travel and transport assistance is available for students who face barriers to attendance. Car parking is limited; the college encourages sustainable travel where possible.

The campus includes social spaces, a cafe, the Book Nook relaxation area, and an expanded library following the recent BCUC three-storey extension. Food outlets provide hot and cold options throughout the day.

The March 2025 Ofsted inspection requires honest discussion. The college was downgraded from Good (achieved in 2021) to Requires Improvement, representing a significant decline from the Outstanding rating achieved when the new campus opened in 2009.

The central finding concerned data accuracy. Inspectors determined that individualised learner records had been submitted which inflated qualification achievement rates for young learners on Level 3 vocational and A-level courses. This misled key stakeholders, including learners, parents, and the local community, about how well learners achieved.

Governors and leaders did not have robust enough internal policies and processes to manage the risk of inaccurate achievement data. Those responsible for leading and governing the college did not question exceptionally high achievement rates for too long.

The college self-reported concerns to the Department for Education and FE Commissioner shortly before the inspection. The former principal departed during the inspection period.

Importantly, the inspection ratings for actual educational quality remained positive. Quality of education was rated Good. Behaviour and attitudes were rated Good. Personal development was rated Outstanding. Adult learning programmes were rated Outstanding. Apprenticeships were rated Good. Provision for learners with high needs was rated Good. The failure was specifically in leadership oversight and data governance, not in the quality of teaching or student experience.

Leadership transition. The college is navigating significant change following governance failures. The incoming principal brings strong credentials from a successful trust, but families should recognise that institutional recovery takes time. Monitoring visits and a future inspection will track progress.

Data accuracy history. Published achievement rates prior to 2025 should be treated with caution. The figures cited in this review reflect the most recent verified data, but historical claims about being the number one college in England are no longer reliable benchmarks.

Attendance challenges. Attendance is too low for students on some vocational programmes. Students who struggle with self-motivation or benefit from tighter structures may find the further education environment challenging. The college is implementing improvements.

Scale and anonymity. With over 4,100 young learners, this is a large institution. Students who prefer smaller, more intimate settings with closer staff-student relationships might find the scale impersonal. However, support services are available for those who engage with them.

Burnley College provides extensive post-16 education across a genuinely impressive range of subjects and pathways. The facilities are outstanding for a state-funded provider, the result of sustained capital investment. Personal development and student welfare achieve high standards. A-level results sit around England averages, with strengths in vocational and technical education.

The leadership and data accuracy failures exposed by the 2025 inspection cannot be dismissed. Families choosing the college are placing trust in new leadership to rebuild governance and restore integrity. The educational quality was never in question; the issue was accurate reporting of outcomes.

Best suited to students who want extensive subject choice, industry-standard facilities, and multiple progression routes. The college serves those seeking A-levels, T-levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships equally. Self-motivated learners who engage with support services will thrive. Those seeking close-knit community feel or guaranteed top-tier results may prefer alternatives. For local families, this remains the primary post-16 provider and offers genuine quality despite recent reputational challenges.