£10m University Technical College Lancashire to close after three years

The board of governors for the £10m University Technical College Lancashire (UTC Lancashire) in Burnley has announced it will close at the end of the academic year.

The decision comes as UTC Lancashire, which opened in 2013 in Victoria Mill, Trafalgar Street, has struggled to recruit the number of students necessary to secure future financial viability.

Rod Dubrow-Marshall, member of the trust board said: “The announcement to close UTC Lancashire is hugely disappointing to the Trust, Senior Leadership Team and all those who have worked so hard to give students the opportunity to pursue a technical education.

“The wellbeing and success of students remains our highest priority and we hope by announcing this news promptly following the decision we can give students, parents, carers and staff the maximum time possible to make alternative plans for September.

Efforts are now being made to ensure students who are taking exams get the support they need and their education is not affected. Meetings and discussions have commenced with Lancashire County Council and local schools and colleges to ensure, where possible students are offered the option of continuing their technical education and working towards achieving their qualifications in engineering.