About Furness College

Furness College is a general further education college in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. It is situated over two campuses: the Channelside Campus with its outstanding vocational facilities, and the Sixth Form Campus on Rating Lane where our A level offer is delivered.

Furness College was judged to be a GOOD college by Ofsted in March 2019, with GOOD grades in all five main judgement areas of:

GOOD – Overall Effectiveness
GOOD – Effectiveness of Leadership and Management
GOOD – Outcomes for Learners
GOOD – Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
GOOD – Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare

It also received an excellent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) report in February 2016 for its higher education provision where it was commended for its student enhancement activities. In August 2016, the College merged successfully with Barrow Sixth Form College, forming the largest college in Cumbria. It was also one of the first four providers nationally to become a member of the newly formed Chartered Institution for Further Education.

The College has been consistently assessed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency as having OUTSTANDING financial health, including for the most recent complete academic year, with any surpluses re-invested into facilities for students.

Furness College is committed to providing an education and training environment which promotes success and ultimately leads to employment. In order to do this the College has a clear vision and strategy, together with strong values which guides everything it does.

Furness College Strategy 2022-2025