Accrington and Rossendale College's impressive campus transformation

Accrington and Rossendale College’s journey towards becoming extraordinary is continuing – as the £4m campus transformation enters its final phase. 

The college, which became part of the Nelson and Colne College Group in 2018, is predominantly continuing its teaching and learning operations online. During that time, improvement works on the college’s campus have continued to progress.

The transformational green space creation to enhance the campus environment is now almost complete and wildflower meadows with flora and fauna will be the backdrop to improved access, making getting around the site much easier. A new main entrance to the Accrington and Rossendale College site off Sandy Lane has also been created as a gateway to the college.

An employer hub is to be created in the reception area of the college’s Construction and Automotive Centre in the final phase of the transformation. Moving forward, the building is set for a complete overhaul improving the learning experience of students who are on the college’s renowned Auto Electrics and Vehicle Technician courses, as well as those working towards career trades including Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Construction and Civil Engineering, Painting and Decorating, and Plastering.

Other facilities include brand new industry-standard Hair and Beauty salons, innovative study spaces, and a revamped specialist Learning Resource Centre. There are also dedicated Learner Services and Careers areas and a remodelled and modern student Refectory.

Underpinning the site improvements are developments in the college’s quality of performance, and its curriculum, teaching and resources – a shared benefit from being part of the one of the leading College Groups nationally. 

Accrington and Rossendale College now sits with its partner Nelson and Colne College as number one in Lancashire for 16-18 Advanced Apprenticeships. For classroom achievement, at all ages and levels, Accrington and Rossendale College now places in the top five colleges nationally.

Since the merger, Accrington and Rossendale College has also achieved significant progress in the three main areas of inspection during an Ofsted monitoring visit – in the areas of Apprenticeships and GCSE Maths and English. 

New courses from September this year include new T Level qualifications in Digital and Education and Childcare, and vocational courses such as Law, Justice and Protective Services, Business and the successful Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team programme.

Principal of Nelson and Colne College Group Amanda Melton said: “We’ve made outstanding progress at Accrington and Rossendale College in the 18 months since we became a merged institution. Our focus has always been to invest in our College facilities to ensure that they are fit to develop the skills of talented young people for years to come, and we are well down the road towards achieving this.

“Another priority has been ensuring that our curriculum improves, and we have made great strides in this area too. By providing people with qualifications, knowledge and skills aligned to industry through exceptional teaching and learning, we can prepare students for successful and sustainable vocational and technical careers and support them to become the workforce of the future.

“We need to continue working hard to bring the extraordinary to Accrington and Rossendale College, and reap the many benefits of being in a leading College Group led by Nelson and Colne College.” 

Chloe Begley, 18, is studying Level 3 Health and Social Work Professions at Accrington and Rossendale College. She said: “I’m really enjoying my course and I would recommend Accrington and Rossendale College because my tutors have been very supportive and friendly. I’ve come so far at College, and it has been a challenging and memorable experience. I’m working towards becoming an effective practitioner in psychology, which is an area that I am passionate about.”

Taylor Fox, 23, is an Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice. He said: “Accrington and Rossendale College is the best in the area for Carpentry and Joinery, the facilities are great and my tutors are a huge help – they want you to be the best. I’ve also enjoyed the competitions that I have taken part in while completing my Apprenticeship with College.”

Applicants looking to apply to Accrington and Rossendale College still have the time. If you would like to apply to study at Accrington and Rossendale College, contact 01282 440272 or visit www.accross.ac.uk