Blackpool & The Fylde and Furness Colleges merge to create new opportunities for learners and employers

Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) and Furness College have formally merged – marking the beginning of a new chapter for education across Lancashire and Cumbria.

The merger creates one of the North West’s largest college groups, bringing together two highly respected colleges with distinctive local identities, deep community roots and a shared commitment to transforming lives.

From today, the colleges will combine their expertise, resources and industry partnerships as B&FC Group to broaden opportunities for learners, strengthen support for employers and play an even greater role in driving regional economic growth.

The merger also builds on long-standing links between Blackpool and Barrow, two proud coastal communities with ambitious future plans and a shared vision for high-quality skills provision.

For learners, apprentices, employers and partners, day-to-day relationships will remain unchanged, while closer collaboration across both colleges will deliver significant new benefits.

Both colleges will retain their strong local identities as part of B&FC Group while unlocking greater opportunities across key sectors including engineering, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, digital technologies, professional services, health and social care.

Alun Francis, Chief Executive of B&FC Group, said: “Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both colleges and all the communities, learners, employers and partners that we serve.”

“Blackpool and Barrow share rich histories and ambitious plans – and this merger will deepen those connections.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we are creating greater opportunities for learners, stronger support for employers and making an even greater contribution to economic growth and social mobility across our region.

“While we are one organisation from today, the identities, heritage and strengths of both B&FC and Furness College remain central to our future. This merger is about building on those foundations and creating a stronger, confident future together.” 

Scott Cubitt, Campus Principal of Furness College, added: “This is a significant moment for Furness College as we officially join the new B&FC Group.”

“Our priority remains the same as it always has been: delivering high-quality education opportunities that help local people and employers to succeed.

“Becoming part of this new group gives us greater capacity to do that, while allowing Furness College to retain the identity, relationships and values that matter to our community.

“Colleagues have been collaborating across both colleges for several months, sharing knowledge, best practice and aligning our systems so that Furness College can deliver an even better experience and outcomes in the future.”

The merger follows extensive planning and consultation to ensure the new group can work even more effectively with regional partners to address skills shortages, support regeneration and ensure learners can succeed in a rapidly changing economy.

An early example of that collaborative approach is the successful joint bid to become one of five new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges as part of a £175 million Government programme to strengthen defence skills across the UK.