Blackburn College (Blackburn with Darwen)
| Established | 1888 |
|---|---|
| Location |
Blackburn, Lancashire England, United Kingdom |
| DfE URN | 130736 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Website | www |
Blackburn College is a further and higher education college in Blackburn, North West England. The college "requires improvement" according to its most recent inspection by the regulator, Ofsted.
The current principal is Dr. Thomas Moore, replacing Ian Clinton, who announced his departure from the college in February 2013. In December 2014, in the 2015 New Year Honours, he was awarded an OBE for his commitment and service to Blackburn College, and for transforming the college and local area.
A number of senior staff from the College subsequently left to take up posts with The Manchester College, including the vice principal, the head of finance and the head of management information system. In February 2016, the sudden resignation of the Chair of Governors prompted the appointment of the vice chair as the new chair of governors.
Blackburn College started as Blackburn Technical College, which was established in 1888 by public subscription. It originally specialised in engineering and textiles, later introducing tertiary courses, such as A–levels in 1984.
The main campus is located close to Blackburn Town Centre, and consists of several buildings.
In the 2000s, four phases of construction were announced, as the college aimed to modernise its campus, and increase the range of degrees offered.
The first was St Paul's Centre, with IT and sixth form facilities, which was completed in 2007 at a cost of £8.8 million, and was opened in September 2007 by John Sentamu. Construction of this building began in July 2006. Phase 2, the University Centre, was completed in 2009, costing £14 million, and was opened in September 2009, by Labour MP Jack Straw and then Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce.
Phase 3 of the re development is the largest building in the entire programme, the £18.3 million Beacon Centre, opposite the Construction Centre on St. Paul's Street, which was completed in the end of 2011, and was opened in February 2012, by chair of governors Sir Bill Taylor and The X Factor finalist Amelia Lily. It includes teaching spaces, for art and photography studios and IT suites, as well as a male and female multi faith prayer room.
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