A message from the Principal

Firstly, I’d like to wish each and every one of you a happy and prosperous new year. As you strive to fulfil your personal and professional ambitions in 2012, we at the College aim to support you every step of the way.

There have been many changes at Blackpool and The Fylde College over the past few months, and we hope you agree they are for the good of our current students, prospective students and the wider community.

Those of you in the vicinity of our Bispham Campus will have seen the notable transformation to the seven storey Cleveleys building, which houses many of our curriculum areas including Catering, Business, Social Care, Public Services, Hairdressing and the Gaming Academy. The work to overclad the existing structure has created a modern and welcoming environment for all and the response from students and staff alike has been extremely positive.

Similar work is under way at our Fleetwood Nautical Campus, where a multi-million pound investment will see a complete overhaul of the main buildings to cater for an increasing student population. Our University Centre also continues to grow, with additional specialist facilities now located at the site and even more student places available for the coming academic year.

For those of you who are unsure which direction you want to take, the College’s ‘Have a Go’ Open Days are the perfect opportunity to begin your journey towards a rewarding career. As well as finding out what courses are available, looking round our excellent facilities and meeting with students and tutors, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience of a range of subjects.

Open Days are also an ideal time to speak to our experienced Student Services advisers about any concerns you may have regarding funding, managing work and family commitments, learning support or simply adjusting to student life. The College prides itself on providing a friendly, supportive environment where learners from a diverse range of backgrounds can and do flourish.

We take our commitment to improving people’s lives and contributing to the development of the local economy seriously. This is especially so for our young learners and why we now guarantee all school leavers a place at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

We look forward to welcoming you in the near future.

Pauline Waterhouse OBE

Principal and Chief Executive