Blackpool Skills College · Ages 16–18
The practical details you need.
Know what to expect. Feel ready for your next step.
Starting College brings new routines and greater independence. Here you will find information about your day, term dates, attendance, travel, meals and what to bring.
Your joining information will explain your individual programme, timetable and support arrangements. If you are unsure about anything, please ask.
Ask us a questionYour daily routine
Ready for the day ahead.
Arrive with enough time to settle, prepare and begin your learning. Check your individual timetable for the sessions you are expected to attend.
Arrive ready for registration and your first session.
If you are delayed, let us know and come in when you can.
Monday to Friday, subject to your agreed timetable.
Plan ahead
Term dates 2026–2027.
Keep these dates handy when planning appointments, holidays and travel. Students do not attend on staff training days.
| Term or break | Last attendance day | Students return |
|---|---|---|
| Start of autumn term | Staff training: Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Wednesday 2 September 2026 |
| Autumn staff training day | Friday 25 September 2026. Students do not attend. | |
| Autumn half term | Friday 23 October 2026, 3.00pm | Monday 9 November 2026 |
| Christmas | Friday 18 December 2026, 12.30pm | Tuesday 5 January 2027 Staff training: Monday 4 January |
| Spring half term | Friday 12 February 2027, 3.00pm | Monday 22 February 2027 |
| Easter | Thursday 25 March 2027, 3.00pm | Monday 12 April 2027 |
| May Day bank holiday | Closed Monday 3 May 2027 | Tuesday 4 May 2027 |
| Summer half term | Thursday 27 May 2027, 3.00pm | Tuesday 8 June 2027 Staff training: Friday 28 May and Monday 7 June |
| End of summer term | Friday 16 July 2027, 12.30pm | Next academic year’s dates will be published separately. |
Everyday information
Find what you need.
Open a section for practical guidance about College life.
01 Attendance and absence Keep in touch. Keep your learning moving.
Regular attendance helps you build skills, maintain friendships and develop the reliable habits employers value. Please attend every session on your agreed timetable.
Unable to attend?
Call 01253 759854 before 8.45am.
- Give the student’s full name.
- Explain the reason for the absence.
- Contact us on each day of absence.
If you are running late
Let us know as early as possible. Registration begins at 8.45am and closes at 9.00am. If you are late, please still come in rather than miss the rest of your learning.
If attendance is becoming difficult
Talk to us. Travel problems, anxiety, illness or changes at home can affect attendance. We will discuss what is happening and work with you, your family and relevant professionals to identify appropriate support.
If we have not received an explanation for an absence, we will follow it up using the contact and safeguarding arrangements agreed for the student.
02 Getting to College Plan your route and allow time to arrive.
Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from College. Plan a journey that allows you to arrive for the start of your agreed timetable.
- Check your route and journey time before your first day.
- Check bus or train times if you use public transport.
- Allow extra time for delays and the walk from your stop.
- Plan your journey home, including on early finish days.
- Keep the College telephone number available.
If travelling independently is a concern, tell us before you start so we can discuss your needs and who may be able to advise. Please also let us know if travel difficulties begin to affect your attendance.
03 Meals and healthy eating A healthy lunch, included in your day.
Every student receives a free, healthy lunch each day they attend College. There is no application process or eligibility check for this College meal offer.
Meals are freshly prepared on site, with hot and cold choices, vegetarian options and a fresh salad bar. We encourage students to enjoy balanced meals and develop positive habits around food.
Practical skills for everyday life
Learning about food, nutrition and healthy cooking supports greater independence. Where cooking forms part of your programme, practical activities provide opportunities to develop these useful everyday skills.
04 Clothing and equipment Safe. Practical. Comfortable.
There is no formal College uniform. Come dressed for practical, active learning in clothing that helps you take part safely and comfortably.
Practical footwear
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for your activities, such as strong trainers or work boots. Open-toed footwear is not suitable for practical learning.
Clothes for doing
Choose comfortable, durable clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid expensive items you would worry about getting dirty.
Dress for the weather
Bring suitable layers for outdoor learning, sport, visits and activities away from the classroom.
We provide specialist protective equipment
Where required for your learning, the College provides personal protective equipment, including safety boots, aprons, gowns, gloves and goggles appropriate to the activity.
Students must wear and use protective equipment correctly when instructed. Following safety guidance, looking after equipment and being prepared are all part of developing professional working habits.
05 Financial support Speak to us early if costs are a concern.
If travel or other costs may make attendance difficult, please tell us. We will discuss the arrangements attached to your placement and identify who can advise on any available support.
Eligibility for financial assistance and responsibility for costs depend on individual circumstances and the agreed placement arrangements. Support is not automatic.
Lunch and required specialist protective equipment are provided as described above. Please ask us about any other items before making a purchase.
06 Keeping in touch Clear communication helps us support you.
Keep your telephone number, address and emergency contact details up to date. Tell us promptly if anything changes.
During induction, we will explain how you receive important messages and who to contact with questions about your programme, attendance or wellbeing.
We will also explain how we communicate with families, taking account of the student’s consent, individual circumstances and safeguarding responsibilities.
For a general enquiry, call 01253 759854 or use the College contact page.
We are here to help
Unsure about something? Ask.
Whether you have a practical question before starting or need help with a change in circumstances, get in touch. A conversation is a good place to begin.