Designed to recognise centres that demonstrate outstanding delivery, innovation, and impact, the Centre of the Year award celebrates those who go above and beyond to support learners and their sector. This year’s winner is the Early Years Department at Blackburn College, a team whose commitment to excellence and ambition for their learners is evident in every aspect of their work.
Building futures through excellence
The Early Years team at Blackburn College consistently delivers an ambitious and cohesive curriculum from Level 1 through to the T Level, supporting learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in the sector. Their approach goes beyond qualification delivery, embedding employability, safeguarding, inclusion, and social mobility at its core.
A key strength lies in the expertise and dedication of the teaching team. Staff are highly experienced industry specialists who bring current practice into the classroom and engage in continuous professional development to ensure their teaching remains relevant and impactful. Their innovative and forward-thinking methods create engaging learning environments where learners are both challenged and supported to excel.
Strong partnerships with employers underpin this success. The team works tirelessly to secure high-quality placements, ensuring learners gain meaningful, hands-on experience that enhances confidence and employability. Their collaboration with industry partners also helps shape a curriculum that reflects real-world expectations and workforce needs.
Driving innovation and global impact
Innovation is deeply embedded in the department’s approach. From experiential Forest School provision to contextualised English and maths, learning is designed to be relevant, practical, and engaging. These approaches help learners understand the direct application of their skills, leading to improved progress, attendance, and outcomes.
A standout example of the department’s impact is its Malawi project, which has grown from an enrichment activity into a long-term international partnership. Through extensive fundraising, students and staff raised over £10,000 to build a nursery supporting children in Malawi.
This initiative continues to evolve, with learners preparing to return to Malawi to train staff, support early education provision, and contribute to the development of sustainable practices. The project not only transforms communities abroad but also provides Blackburn College learners with life-changing experiences. They have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, cultural awareness, and resilience, gaining a broader understanding of global education challenges and what they can do to make a difference.
A culture of ambition and transformation
The college is committed to continuous improvement, collaboration, and high standards. Enrichment and extracurricular opportunities include student-led sales, stalls and community events, Disney-themed dress-up days and even a sponsored sleepover at Madame Tussauds. These all help to build teamwork, enterprise skills, and strengthen connections with the wider community.
The impact of this approach is clear. Learners progress confidently into employment, apprenticeships, and higher education, with employers recognising their professionalism, confidence, and global awareness. Many begin their college journey lacking confidence but leave as skilled, compassionate practitioners ready to make a meaningful difference.
Staff also engage in bespoke Early Years CPD through strong borough links and professional networks, ensuring that subject expertise remains current and research-informed. By supporting staff progression, Blackburn College ensures learners benefit from passionate, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking educators.
Through combining outstanding teaching, innovative delivery, strong industry links, and a commitment to social responsibility at both a local and global level, the Early Years Department at Blackburn College exemplifies what it means to be a Centre of the Year.
Congratulations to the Early Years Department at Blackburn College! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2026 page.
