Nelson & Colne College promoting university education in East Lancashire. Accrington & Rossendale College, Blackburn College, Burnley College, Nelson & Colne College and St. Mary’s College

Nelson & Colne College

Nelson & Colne College was awarded Beacon College status in 2006.  This award celebrates outstanding teaching and learning and excellent leadership and management.  The college was inspected by Ofsted in April 2008 and, for the second time, was judged to be outstanding.

young woman working at a computer with a young man lokking over her shoulder

Over many years Nelson and Colne College has developed progression pathways from level 1 to 3. It is committed to extending this to level 4 provision and to developing further Higher Education programmes in line with local needs and regional skills priorities.

The HE courses currently offered by the College are designed to help individuals improve their employment/career prospects and continue into further learning. The College has an ethos of continuous improvement and self scrutiny. A new build is currently underway to further improve student facilities and to create a learning environment that will help students to succeed.

Nelson and Colne College is a Beacon College and was judged to be ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Consistently high exam results continue to place the college in the top 10 per cent nationally. The award celebrates outstanding performance in teaching and learning and leadership and management. The College’s exceptional Ofsted Report, received in 2005, contributed to meeting these criteria. Inspectors judged the College to be ‘outstanding’ in 8 out of 10 areas. Nelson & Colne College is committed to ensuring that all students receive the best possible educational experience in order to achieve their potential.


Lisa KellyCase Study - Lisa Kelly, Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Lisa previously worked in Retail Management prior to joining Nelson & Colne College in 2006 on a Level 3 Teaching Assistant course. Lisa realised that this was the career for her when she worked at Lomeshaye Junior School as a volunteer. After a short period of time Lisa was offered part time employment, and her colleagues at school encouraged her to enrol at the College and gain supporting qualifications.

Lisa now works full time at Lomeshaye Junior School as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant, she said, “I have been given fantastic support and encouragement from my colleagues to progress further because of my pro-active attitude”. She has had additional training in Special Needs and is involved in many student activities and often provides class cover.

Lisa is now a student on the College’s Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support (Primary). Lisa said, “My Teaching Assistant Tutor, Charlotte Bishop, really encouraged me to continue my studies further and undertake the Foundation Degree. I felt that she believed in me which was very encouraging”. Lisa goes on to say, “The course is fantastic and my peers have been extremely supportive because we are all from similar backgrounds and can understand the pressures of work, family life and learning”. Lisa intends to finish her Foundation Degree and then continue in Education, she said,” I wish I had chosen a career in teaching years ago, I really enjoy what I do”.


Paula Truelove

Case Study - Paula Truelove

Paula has worked hard to gain her qualifications; she is a Registered Mental Health Nurse and is currently studying at Nelson & Colne College for a Registered Managers’ Award. On leaving school Paula joined the Army as a HGV driver and went on to work as an Auxiliary Nurse at Burnley General Hospital and has since continued in Nursing. Paula prefers to work with the elderly and is currently working at Peel Gardens Nursing Home, where she is implementing a new Dementia Unit.  She realised, however, that she needed to acquire management skills to be able to put the new scheme into operation.

Even though Paula has a hectic life being married with two children, she enjoys watching her son play football and spending time with her family. As well as working full time and studying she said, “Nelson & Colne College has really supported me throughout my learning, particularly because when I thought I would never find the time to do my work there was always help and support from my Tutor, who encouraged me to find the time”. Paula’s plans for the future are to continue in Further Education, finishing a Mentoring course and gaining Teaching Qualifications. Paula said, “I would really like to share my knowledge and experience with other people that are interested in Mental Health Nursing”.