University of Cumbria and Furness College partnership strengthens vision for Barrow’s growing higher education future

At the heart of the partnership is the recent opening of the University of Cumbria campus in Barrow, bringing fulltime higher education provision to the area for the first time making Barrow a university town. Alongside this, a Skills Academy based at Furness College will enhance employability and progression opportunities for learners from Level 3 upwards, creating a seamless pathway from sixth form and further education into local university-level study and skilled employment.

The initiatives align further education (FE) and higher education (HE) with the needs of local employers, helping to raise skills levels, improve job prospects and strengthen the competitiveness of Barrow’s economy. By supporting learners to study and progress locally, the partnership also addresses long-standing challenges around low higher education participation and the loss of young talent from the area.

Barrow is home to world-class manufacturing, however, access to higher education has historically been limited, with participation rates remaining below the national average. The University of Cumbria and Furness College partnership exists to change that by opening doors to higher education for young people and adults alike, whether they are entering university for the first time or returning later in life to upskill or retrain.

The partnership is focused on increasing progression from Level 3 into higher education locally, raising aspirations and creating fairer access to opportunity. By moving Barrow closer to the England average for higher education participation, the initiative will support social mobility, improve life chances and help build a stronger, more inclusive community.

A key feature of the collaboration is its strong employer focus. Programmes are being designed alongside industry partners to ensure graduates develop the advanced technical and professional skills needed for Barrow’s economy and the UK’s industrial future. As a result, the town is not only strengthening its reputation for manufacturing excellence, but also emerging as a hub of knowledge, talent and innovation.

The partnership has been reinforced by the Brilliant Barrow town deal. Developed collaboratively by the University of Cumbria, Furness College, Westmorland & Furness Council, BAE Systems and other partners. This long-standing collaboration has laid strong foundations for widening participation and improving access to university-level study across the Furness peninsula.

Claire Aindow, Pro Vice Chancellor for Growth and Development at University of Cumbria commented: “This partnership represents a transformational moment for Barrow and the Furness peninsula. By working closely with Furness College and our employer and civic partners, we are opening up access to higher education for communities that have historically been underrepresented. Our focus is on creating clear, supported pathways into university-level study and delivering workplace-focused education that meets the needs of Barrow’s economy now and in the future. This is about raising aspirations, retaining local talent and ensuring that opportunity is accessible to everyone.”

Scott Cubitt, Principal and Chief Executive, Furness College, added: “Furness College plays a critical role in preparing local learners for progression into higher-level study and skilled employment.”

“This exciting partnership strengthens those progression routes by closely aligning further education, higher education and local employers’ skills needs.

“Through the Barrow Learning Quarter and close collaboration with the University of Cumbria, we are enabling people to study and progress, widening access for underrepresented groups and supporting the long-term economic needs and growth of the area.

“We are passionate and dedicated to helping people to succeed – and this partnership significantly strengthens our ability to do just that.”

The University of Cumbria and Furness College are creating clear, accessible pathways from classroom to career, retaining local talent, supporting business growth and helping to shape Barrow’s identity as a thriving university town. This partnership represents a shared, long-term investment in Barrow’s people, its economy and its future.