Blackpool Skills College · Ages 16–18
Start with a conversation.
Explore the possibilities. Understand the process. Plan the next step together.
Blackpool Skills College provides specialist education for young people aged 16–18. Placements are commissioned and funded by local authorities following consideration of the young person’s needs and the provision the College can offer.
Families and professionals are welcome to contact us to discuss suitability and arrange a visit. A place is confirmed once assessment, commissioning and funding arrangements have been agreed.
From first enquiry to an agreed placement
Your route into College
These four stages explain how an enquiry can move towards a placement. The timing and arrangements will depend on the young person’s circumstances and the commissioning local authority’s process.
First conversation
Tell us about the young person
Share their age, current education or training, subject interests and any support needs. Please let us know if they have an EHCP or if another organisation is involved in arranging their next placement.
We will explain how to provide more detailed information securely.
Discover the offer
Explore the College
We will discuss the proposed offer and whether a visit would be useful. This is an opportunity to ask questions, explore subject choices and explain what would help the young person settle and participate.
Local authority referral or consultation
Review suitability and arrangements
The commissioning local authority refers or consults with the College through its agreed placement process. We review relevant assessment information and the EHCP where applicable, consider whether we can provide the required education and support, and discuss the proposed programme, capacity and placement arrangements with the authority.
Visiting the College does not replace this process.
Getting ready to start
Agree the place and prepare
If a place is agreed, we will explain the programme, start date, timetable, support arrangements and induction process. Students and families should receive clear information about expectations and the practical details needed before starting.
Understanding the funding route
Local authority funded placements
Education placements are funded by the commissioning local authority under an agreed placement arrangement. Families should contact their local authority SEND team to discuss the appropriate route.
We can explain how the College responds to referrals and consultations. Any arrangements for travel, meals or other additional costs will be made clear before the placement starts.
Useful answers before you enquire
A few things to know
Can families contact the College directly?
Yes. Families are welcome to make an initial enquiry, discuss suitability and ask about a visit. The placement itself must be agreed through the commissioning local authority.
Does a visit mean a place has been offered?
No. A visit helps you explore the College and ask questions. A place is confirmed once assessment, commissioning and funding arrangements have been agreed.
What if the young person has an EHCP?
Please tell us when you enquire. We consider the needs, specified provision and outcomes in the EHCP when reviewing whether the College can offer a suitable programme and support.
Read about specialist support ↗How should detailed information be shared?
Contact us first and we will explain the secure route for providing detailed assessment, EHCP or other sensitive information. Please keep general enquiry messages brief.
Families and referring professionals
Let’s explore the next step.
Contact us to discuss the young person’s interests, support needs and the local authority placement process.