Founded during the reorganisation of education in Pendle in the early 1970s, Nelson & Colne College was created by a merger of a number of local sixth forms. Since then the college has grown in size, currently serving the educational needs of around 1600 full-time students and 4-5000 part-time students, depending on the time of year.
Courses
The college offers a variety of courses including GCSEs and A Levels, in addition to vocational accreditations such as NVQs and National Diplomas. The college also works together with local companies to provide training for apprenticeships and trainees, utilising many funding streams including the government's Train to Gain initiative. Encompassing both day and evening classes, the courses on offer are many and varied. In addition to traditional academic subjects such as English, Maths, Sociology, Psychology, Languages, History and Science, the college offers courses in Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Engineering, IT, Drama, Media and Music Technology. Professional qualifications such as Teaching Assistant and AAT Qualifications can be obtained at the college and more unusual courses such as Gourmet Cookery, Horticulture, Urdu, Dinner Party Cooking, Cake Decorating, Pottery and Website Design are offered.
In order to amalgamate the college onto one campus, Nelson & Colne College gained funding of over £20 million, which allowed for the provision of new buildings and refurbishment of some existing facilities. Facilities include a sports halllarge enough to accommodate six tennis courts and a fitness centre. There are also hairdressing and beauty therapy salons with modern resources allowing students to offer commercial treatments. The college now has new catering and hospitality facilities, including a restaurant and bistro and 3 production kitchens. In addition to these new buildings, the remainder of the college has also undergone a transformation, with new dining and social areas including a cybercafé, specialist facilities for students requiring additional support, refurbished science laboratories. The engineering workshops have also been refitted. The central concourse between the main building and the Pendle and Deerstone buildings is currently in the process of renovation, expanding the library and its computer facilities whilst providing more seating for students on a lunch time. The grounds to the rear of the college are also being renovated with the addition of a large AstroTurf pitch to further improve sporting facilities, the car park will also be extended.
Alumni
Andrew Scarborough - actor who starred as Tim Drewe in Downton Abbey.
