Blackpool and the Fylde College

Overview

Blackpool and the Fylde College is a large further education provider in Lancashire, serving a community with high levels of economic disadvantage. The report describes a college where leaders have made "rapid progress" since the previous inspection, delivering an education that is highly relevant to local skills needs and deeply supportive of vulnerable learners.

Strengths

• Students and apprentices are "highly motivated and ambitious," with "exemplary" behaviour and attitudes.
• Tutors are "subject specialists" who teach coherently, helping learners deepen knowledge and develop professional skills.
• The college makes a "strong contribution to meeting skills needs" through effective employer links and curriculum planning.
• Support for students with high needs is "effective," including individualised assistance and assistive technologies.
• Leaders provide "high-quality, unbiased careers education" and proactive support for those at risk of becoming NEET.

Areas to improve

• Provide "consistently high standards of feedback" so learners know precisely how to improve their work.
• Increase the proportion of young students achieving level 1 and level 2 qualifications, as current achievement on some courses is "too low."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."