Blackpool &The Fylde College Students’ Results Showcase the Power of Technical Education

Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) is celebrating another strong year of results, with students achieving excellent outcomes across this year’s T Level, BTEC and vocational qualifications.

As technical education plays an increasingly important role in preparing young people for work, B&FC has further strengthened its position as one of the largest and fastest-growing T Level providers in the country – with student numbers increasing by more than 75 per cent this year.

The overall T Level pass rate at B&FC this year was 89 per cent, with 65 per cent achieving a Merit or above (equivalent to three A Level grades at B or above). Twenty-six students achieved a Distinction or better, including four who achieved Distinction* grades – a first for B&FC.

Among the highlights, the Education and Childcare curriculum area saw Primary Teaching students achieve a 100 per cent pass rate, with 93 per cent securing a Merit or above. Early Years students also achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, with 88 per cent securing a Merit or above.

Several other T Level programmes* achieved 100 per cent pass rates, including very high proportions of Merit and Distinction grades for Health (90 per cent), Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction (83 per cent) and Management and Administration (60 per cent).

BTEC National students matched last year’s 91 per cent pass rate, with 30 per cent achieving a Distinction grade or above – an increase of three percentage points on 2025. There were 100 per cent pass rates across 12 courses and strong numbers achieving a Distinction grade or above in National Extended Diplomas in Health and Social Care (53 per cent), Aeronautical Engineering (41 per cent) and Information Technology (56 per cent). 

Alun Francis, Chief Executive of B&FC Group, said: “This year’s T Level and BTEC results are a credit to the hard work and dedication of our students, teaching colleagues and employer partners.”

“T Levels offer young people the opportunity to combine academic study with meaningful workplace experience. This year we’ve seen T Level student numbers increase by more than 75 per cent across 14 pathways covering everything from business, health and education to digital technologies and engineering.

“Our provision is among the broadest in the country, with pathways aligned to priority sectors identified in the Lancashire Growth Plan, from advanced engineering and manufacturing to AI and digital technologies. They are helping to build the skilled workforce our region needs now and for future opportunities, including those linked to the opening of the Multiversity in September 2028.

 “Combined with our long-standing relationships with employers, from local SMEs to some of the region's largest organisations, B&FC students are gaining real workplace experience in the industries that matter most to the regional economy.”

Blackpool-based Tyson Construction has supported T Level placements from B&FC since their introduction in 2020 and hosted 12 Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction students this year. One of those students, Amelia Bux, who achieved a Merit, impressed during her placement and has now been offered a degree apprenticeship starting in September.

Philip Helm, Business Development Director at Tyson Construction, said: “All the T Level placements we’ve hosted from B&FC over the last few years have strengthened our future talent pipeline and brought enthusiastic young people with fresh perspectives into the business. Most importantly, they allow us to assess potential over an extended period rather than through a conventional interview alone. Amelia is a perfect example: her placement enabled us to recognise her ability and offer her a long-term career opportunity.”

Amelia Bux said: “Securing my placement at Tyson Construction was a fantastic opportunity. Working with professionals in different areas of the business, first in site management and then with the design team in the offices, helped me work out which pathway into the sector was right for me. I was delighted when they offered me a degree apprenticeship while I was on placement and I’m really looking forward to starting in September.”