Blackburn learners find new routes into work and study

News Desk 2026-10-19 09:37 3 min read

Diverse students laughing and talking together at desks in a university lecture hall.

Adult learners in Blackburn with Darwen are gaining routes into further study, volunteering and work through courses designed for people who have faced barriers to education. Ofsted found the council’s Adult Learning Service met the expected standard in all five areas assessed during an inspection in September 2026.

Almost 90% of learners progress to further learning, volunteering, employment or better opportunities at work, according to Blackburn with Darwen Council. The service supports more than 2,000 people each year, and almost all courses are free.

Courses combine skills with tailored support

The programme includes ICT, introductions to hospitality, childcare and schools, therapeutic art and gardening. It supports people experiencing mental health challenges, learning difficulties or bereavement, as well as those who have struggled in a traditional classroom.

Ofsted assessed curriculum, achievement, inclusion, learners’ wider development and leadership. The service achieved the expected standard in each area, a result the council says is equivalent to “Good plus” under the previous inspection framework. Inspectors spoke with course leaders, tutors, learning support workers and learners.

The report praised the service’s high expectations and tailored support, including for learners with disabilities and health conditions. It also noted work with Adult Social Care and local education providers to offer courses that respond to skills needs in Blackburn with Darwen and the wider region. Work placements, workplace visits and volunteering opportunities give learners ways to build experience, while weekly jobs clubs and support with CVs and interview skills help those considering employment.

The inspection also found the service meets safeguarding standards, helping learners feel safe. Taken together, the findings describe provision that supports learners’ wider development as well as progress towards work or further learning.

Blackburn learners find new routes into work and study

Learners use new skills in everyday life

Ofsted described learners as “enthusiastic” and “actively engaged” and said they spoke passionately about the effect courses had on their lives and their ambitions for the future.

Jasmine Alhous, who attends English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at Bank Top Adult Learning Centre, said she began a year earlier unable to speak English. She can now help her children with homework and understand their teachers. She credited her teacher, Karen, for her patience and support.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said he was particularly pleased to hear how the service helps people improve their prospects, including by securing employment. Council chief executive Denise Park said the team works to remove barriers and give residents opportunities to succeed.

Classes are available across the borough

Sessions take place at two dedicated adult learning centres, the council’s Family Hubs and Blackburn College. Residents can find course information and the latest programme on the Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning website, or contact the team at adultlearning@blackburn.gov.uk and 01254 507720.

The inspection follows a Good rating for the council’s Adult Social Care services after a Care Quality Commission inspection in July 2025, and a Good rating for Children’s Services from Ofsted in March 2025.

Source: Blackburn with Darwen Council News

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This report uses the supplied Blackburn with Darwen Council News account and checks the inspection areas, learner figures and named course example against that source.

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