Blackburn College launches new teacher training courses with top university

Blackburn College has teamed up with a top university to launch a new teacher training partnership helping schools across Lancashire.

The college has partnered with the University of Derby to now offer primary and secondary teacher training courses for aspiring educators to train and work in schools across Lancashire.

From September, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) training programmes will be provided by the University of Derby at Blackburn College, with trainees spending up to four days each week on placement in local classrooms and schools.

Liam Doherty, director of Quality and Innovation at Blackburn College, said: “This is a real coup for the college to partner with the University of Derby, and we are absolutely thrilled.

“The new course means Blackburn College is the only provider in the North of England to offer this kind of teacher training, and we can now support even more aspiring educators across all education settings.

“Crucially, those who train locally are far more likely to stay and work locally – a major advantage at a time when schools across the region are struggling to fill teaching positions.”

The college’s collaboration with the University of Derby will begin in September 2026, when the first aspiring educators will be able to embark on the two QTS programmes.

Trainee teachers will receive support from experts at the University of Derby through online learning, splitting their time between attending Blackburn College and work placement in schools within Lancashire.

Liam added: “Partnering with the University of Derby strengthens our position as leaders in the field of teacher training and further endorses our commitment to excellence in education.

 “It gives our students the best of both worlds – the prestige of a university education and the personalised support of studying here on campus.”

Blackburn College already works with respected university partners including Lancaster University, the University of Lancashire and the University of South Wales.

This new partnership strengthening a portfolio that continues to grow in scope and status, and boosting Blackburn College’s reputation as a leading further education college delivering high-quality Higher Education in the North West.

Sarah Charles, head of the Institute of Education and Skills at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Blackburn College to deliver this new QTS programme.

“Blackburn College has a strong reputation for high-quality teacher education, by combining that with the University of Derby’s nationally recognised teacher training expertise, we are creating a pathway that enables aspiring teachers to train locally, thrive professionally and support schools where they are needed most.”

Recruitment for the new teacher training QTS programme is now open, and will see its first class welcomed at the college in September 2026.

For further information, please visit https://blackburn.ac.uk/find-a-course/education-and-teaching/education-and-teaching