The largest further education provider in Cumbria, Furness College has served the Barrow-in-Furness community since 1874. Operating from two distinct campuses, the Channelside Campus and The Sixth Form Campus at Rating Lane, the college delivers a comprehensive range of qualifications from A-levels to apprenticeships and degree-level programmes. The 2016 merger with Barrow Sixth Form College secured the breadth of post-16 education across the Furness peninsula, though recent inspection findings have highlighted significant areas requiring improvement. For students in this part of Cumbria, Furness College represents not just the primary option for post-16 education but often the only realistic local choice without substantial travel.
The college occupies a pivotal position in the local economy and community. Barrow-in-Furness has long been defined by its shipbuilding heritage, and Furness College maintains strong ties with the area's largest employer, BAE Systems. This connection shapes the college's identity, particularly through its Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre, which opened in 2016 to accommodate growing numbers of engineering students.
The Channelside Campus underwent a substantial transformation with a £42 million rebuild completed in 2012. The facilities include virtual learning spaces, demonstration areas, and workshops equipped with industry-standard technology. The Sixth Form Campus at Rating Lane provides a dedicated environment for A-level students, featuring a Centre of Excellence for Art and Design. The separation of campuses allows for distinct learning cultures to develop.
The college achieved Teaching Excellence Framework silver status in 2017 for its higher education provision, with degrees validated by Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, and the University of Cumbria. This breadth of provision, from entry-level courses through to master's degrees, distinguishes Furness College from many further education institutions.
The college motto, Believe, Achieve, Succeed!, reflects an aspirational culture, though recent challenges have tested this ambition. Following the October 2024 Ofsted inspection, leadership has been working to address identified weaknesses and rebuild confidence in the institution's quality assurance processes.
A-level results at Furness College sit below the England average. In the most recent published data, 36.6% of entries achieved grades A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. At the highest grades, 2% achieved A* and 9.2% achieved grade A, with a combined A*-A rate of 11.2% against the England average of 23.6%.
The college ranks 1,933rd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the bottom 40% of providers. This positions A-level provision as an area requiring focused improvement, a finding echoed in the September 2025 monitoring visit which noted that leaders recognise further work is needed on A-level underperformance.
The Sixth Form offers 18 A-level subjects including Art and Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology: Product Design, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Film Studies, History, Law, Mathematics, Media Studies, Photography, Physics, Politics, and Psychology. Beyond traditional A-levels, students can pursue Cambridge Technical qualifications in Digital Media, Business, and Performing Arts, alongside BTECs and the AAQ in Health and Social Care.
The October 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the college Inadequate overall, a significant decline from the Good rating achieved in March 2019. The detailed breakdown showed Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Education Programmes for Young People, Adult Learning Programmes, Apprenticeships, and Provision for Learners with High Needs all assessed as Requires Improvement, with Leadership and Management rated Inadequate.
This represents the first Inadequate rating in the college's recent history, following consistent Good judgements in 2019, 2015, 2010, and 2006. The inspection findings prompted intervention from the FE Commissioner and subsequent monitoring visits in April and September 2025.
The September 2025 monitoring visit found evidence of progress. Leaders have implemented a quality cycle incorporating curriculum reviews, progress tracking, and quality meetings. Governance has strengthened with the appointment of a new chair and three new board members with experience in further and higher education, enabling improved scrutiny. However, inspectors noted that improvement in some curriculum areas, particularly A-level provision, remains ongoing.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
36.55%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
The college employs specialist teachers across its A-level and vocational programmes. At the Sixth Form Campus, tutors deliver subject-specific teaching alongside broader enrichment and pastoral support. The college has invested in virtual learning environments through its Moodle platform, supporting independent study and resource access.
Teaching approaches vary according to programme type. A-level provision follows traditional academic structures, whilst vocational programmes incorporate substantial practical elements and employer engagement. T-levels, introduced in partnership with local employers including BAE Systems, combine classroom learning with industry placements totalling 315 hours.
The recent inspection highlighted curriculum design as an area for development, with leaders now implementing more rigorous oversight of teaching quality and student progress. The quality cycle introduced following the inspection includes regular curriculum reviews and progress tracking meetings, providing clearer accountability for teaching standards.
Class sizes vary by subject, with some A-level groups remaining small due to the local demographic profile. This can provide advantages in terms of individual attention, though it also presents challenges for group dynamics and peer learning opportunities.
Destination data for the 2023/24 cohort reveals a distinctive pattern reflecting the college's vocational strengths. From a cohort of 649 leavers, 31% progressed to apprenticeships and 31% entered employment directly. A further 8% continued to university and 8% pursued additional further education.
This profile differs markedly from traditional sixth forms, reflecting both the college's vocational focus and the local labour market. The strong apprenticeship pathway connects directly to employers like BAE Systems, which offers extensive apprenticeship programmes in engineering and manufacturing. Around 94% of BAE Systems apprentices remain with the company, providing genuine career pathways for college leavers.
Despite the overall destination profile, the college does support students with elite university aspirations. Eight students applied to Oxbridge in the measured period, with one securing a place at Cambridge. This represents a conversion rate that, while modest in absolute numbers, demonstrates that motivated students can progress to the most selective institutions from this setting.
The college ranks 287th in England for Oxford applications and 1,475th for Cambridge applications, with an overall Oxbridge ranking of 1,360th. For a college serving a relatively disadvantaged coastal community, any Oxbridge success represents meaningful social mobility.
University partnerships enable progression without leaving the region. Foundation degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's programmes delivered on campus and validated by Lancaster, UCLan, and the University of Cumbria provide local higher education options for students who cannot or prefer not to relocate.
Furness College operates an open admissions policy for most programmes, accepting applications directly rather than through a centralised system. Students can apply online through the college website for individual courses, with interviews arranged to discuss suitability and progression.
Entry requirements vary by programme level. A-level study typically requires GCSE passes at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects, with specific requirements depending on chosen subjects. Vocational programmes may accept students with a broader range of prior attainment, providing progression pathways from Level 1 through to Level 3 and beyond.
The application process involves submitting an online form, attending an interview, receiving an offer, and then attending enrolment in early September. Interview dates can be rearranged by contacting Student Services on 01229 844 817 or emailing Admissions@furness.ac.uk. Course changes after application are possible by contacting the same team.
Open days run throughout the year at both campuses, with opportunities to meet course tutors, attend subject presentations, tour facilities, and engage in practical activities. The Sixth Form open days focus on A-level and Level 3 options, whilst Channelside events showcase vocational programmes, apprenticeships, and higher education offerings.
For the 2025/26 academic year, induction and enrolment runs from Monday 1st September to Friday 5th September 2025, with teaching commencing Monday 8th September 2025. Sixth Form enrolment operates by appointment over one day, whilst vocational programme enrolment takes place over two days.
The pastoral support structure centres on Personal Progress Coaches who monitor attendance, academic progress, and progression planning. Each student is allocated a PPC who can be contacted by email, text, phone, or through drop-in sessions at the PPC room. This system tracks students from initial enrolment through to their next destination, whether university, apprenticeship, or employment.
Helen Gibson serves as Director of Student Journey and Designated Safeguarding Lead, bringing experience stretching back to 1995 at the former Barrow Sixth Form College. This continuity provides institutional knowledge of the local community and established relationships with external support agencies.
The college offers confidential counselling services and works closely with external partners including Mind in Furness for mental health support, CADAS for substance-related issues, Beat for eating disorders, Samaritans, and Kooth online counselling. Drop-in welfare sessions run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10:00 and 15:00.
For students with SEND and additional needs, an experienced Inclusion team provides one-to-one support in class through Mentors and Learning Support Assistants. The focus extends beyond academic support to developing independence in preparation for adult life. A supported internship programme launched in 2023 with BAE Systems and Westmorland and Furness Council specifically serves young people aged 18-24 with EHCPs who aspire to employment.
Financial support is available for students facing hardship, alongside bursary schemes to cover costs associated with study such as travel, equipment, and materials. The Student Services helpline operates 09:00-16:00 Monday to Friday on 01229 825017.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre, opened in August 2016, represents the college's flagship facility for engineering education. This purpose-built centre houses industry-standard equipment and accommodates the growing number of students pursuing engineering qualifications, including those studying on higher education courses and BAE Systems apprentices.
The partnership with BAE Systems extends beyond facilities to genuine industry placements. T-level students in Engineering and Manufacturing undertake substantial work experience at the shipyard, building practical skills alongside their academic qualifications. The college has committed to providing up to ten industry placements annually as part of this collaboration.
The Centre of Excellence for Art and Design at the Sixth Form Campus provides specialist facilities for photography, media studies, and art and design students. The college offers Cambridge Technical qualifications in Digital Media and Performing Arts alongside traditional A-levels in these subjects.
The Channelside Campus includes sports facilities, whilst The Restaurant and The Salon provide working environments for catering and hair and beauty students. These commercial training spaces enable students to develop practical skills whilst serving real customers.
The Furness College Student's Union organises events and socials throughout the academic year, providing opportunities for student voice through representative roles, campaigns, and involvement in elections and referendums. The union supports student wellbeing through its health and wellbeing initiatives and advocates for the student body on college-wide issues.
The college operates across two main sites. Channelside Campus is located at Channelside, Bessemer Way, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2PJ (telephone: 01229 825 017). The Sixth Form Campus is at Rating Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, LA13 9LE (telephone: 01229 828 377).
The academic calendar follows a traditional three-term structure. For 2025/26, the autumn term runs from 8th September 2025, with half-term 27th-31st October, ending 19th December. Spring term begins 6th January 2026, with half-term 16th-20th February. Summer term starts 14th April 2026, with an early May bank holiday on 4th May and half-term 25th-29th May.
Both campuses are accessible by local bus services. Parking is available on site. The college is located approximately one mile from Barrow-in-Furness railway station, which provides connections to the West Coast Main Line at Lancaster.
Recent inspection findings. The Inadequate Ofsted rating from October 2024 represents a significant concern. While monitoring visits show improvement progress, the college remains under enhanced scrutiny and faces a full re-inspection. Families should consider this context when evaluating options and may wish to attend open events to assess current provision directly.
A-level performance. Results sit below England averages across most measures. Students with strong academic ambitions may want to consider the specific performance data for their intended subjects and ask questions about recent improvements during visits.
Leadership transition. Principal Nicola Cove announced her resignation effective October 2025. The college is pursuing a merger with Blackpool and The Fylde College, which will bring further change. Prospective students should consider how this transition might affect their experience.
Geographic isolation. As the only further education college in Barrow, Furness College serves a captive market. Alternative provision requires substantial travel. This lack of local competition reduces choice for families but also means the college serves the entire community, including those who might struggle elsewhere.
Furness College faces genuine challenges following its Inadequate inspection rating, with acknowledged weaknesses in A-level provision and leadership that prompted FE Commissioner intervention. The planned merger with Blackpool and The Fylde College signals recognition that external support is needed.
Yet context matters. For students in Barrow-in-Furness and the wider Furness peninsula, this college represents the primary local pathway to qualifications beyond GCSE. Its apprenticeship provision, particularly in partnership with BAE Systems, offers genuine career routes that serve the local economy well. The 150-year heritage demonstrates an institution embedded in its community.
Best suited to students seeking vocational or technical pathways, particularly those interested in engineering, manufacturing, or the industries that define this part of Cumbria. A-level students should interrogate recent improvements carefully and consider whether the support and outcomes match their aspirations. For motivated individuals, the college has demonstrated that progression to Russell Group universities and Oxbridge remains achievable, even if such outcomes are exceptional rather than typical.
Furness College received an Inadequate Ofsted rating in October 2024, representing a significant decline from its previous Good rating. The inspection identified weaknesses in leadership and management, with all other areas assessed as Requires Improvement. Monitoring visits in 2025 have shown progress, with improved governance and quality processes, though work continues on curriculum areas including A-level provision. The college's vocational programmes, particularly engineering apprenticeships with BAE Systems, remain strengths that connect well to local employment opportunities.
The Sixth Form Campus offers 18 A-level subjects: Art and Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology: Product Design, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Film Studies, History, Law, Mathematics, Media Studies, Photography, Physics, Politics, and Psychology. Alternative Level 3 qualifications include Cambridge Technical courses in Digital Media, Business, and Performing Arts, plus BTECs and the AAQ in Health and Social Care.
A-level results sit below England averages. In recent data, 36.6% of entries achieved A*-B grades against the England average of 47.2%. The combined A*-A rate was 11.2% compared to the England average of 23.6%. The college ranks 1,933rd in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in the bottom 40% of providers. Recent inspection monitoring notes that A-level provision remains an area requiring improvement.
The college has strong employer partnerships, notably with BAE Systems for engineering apprenticeships. Apprentices complete NVQ diplomas in engineering at the college before progressing to work-based training. The Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre provides industry-standard facilities. Destination data shows 31% of leavers progress to apprenticeships, with around 94% of BAE Systems apprentices remaining with the company long-term. T-level students receive up to 315 hours of industry placement.
Each student receives a Personal Progress Coach who monitors attendance, progress, and progression planning. Confidential counselling is available, alongside partnerships with external agencies including Mind in Furness, CADAS, Beat, Samaritans, and Kooth. The Inclusion team supports students with SEND through one-to-one mentoring. Financial support and bursary schemes help with study-related costs. Drop-in welfare sessions run three days weekly.
Applications are made directly to the college online. After submitting your application, you will be invited to an interview to discuss your course choice and suitability. Interview dates can be rearranged by contacting Admissions at Admissions@furness.ac.uk or 01229 844 817. Open days throughout the year provide opportunities to explore facilities and meet tutors before applying.
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