Course applications for September 2026 are still open. If you would like to apply for a course, please use the link below where you will be taken to our application portal, rather than the individual links on the course pages
Our Strategic Plan 2026 - 2031
Lakes College exists to transform lives through learning, power the workforce of the future, and drive prosperity across West Cumbria and beyond.
WELCOME
As the only general Further Education college at the heart of one of the UK’s most significant clean energy and nuclear regions, we have a responsibility to do more than educate – we lead. We connect people to opportunity, industry to talent and communities to growth.
As a full-service college, we provide a broad and ambitious curriculum that gives every learner real choice, whether their pathway is academic, technical or vocational. From first steps into education to higher-level skills and career progression, we support individuals to achieve their potential and move forward with confidence.
Through high-quality education, strong partnerships and a relentless focus on outcomes, we enable every student to progress with purpose, every employer to access the skills they need, and every community we serve to thrive.
Our Strategic Plan 2026–2031 sets out our ambitions for Lakes College and the difference we want to make for our students, employers, communities and region by 2031.
Mark Fell
Principal / Chief Executive – Lakes College
Strategy Overview
Our Strategic Plan 2026–2031 provides the framework for decision-making, investment and improvement across the College. It establishes our priorities and ambitions while allowing flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.
Our purpose is simple:
We exist to transform lives through learning, power the workforce of tomorrow, and drive prosperity across West Cumbria and beyond.
Our vision is to be nationally recognised for excellence in technical education, delivering exceptional outcomes and supporting the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
Our Strategic Priorities
Everything we do is focused on delivering five strategic priorities.
1. Exceptional Education & Outcomes
Deliver exceptional learning experiences that enable every student to achieve, progress and succeed through outstanding teaching, high expectations, excellent support and a relentless focus on outcomes.
2. Leading Clean Energy & Technical Excellence
Be nationally recognised for leadership in clean energy, nuclear, engineering and technical education, developing the skilled workforce required to support regional prosperity, national growth and net zero ambitions.
3. Skills for Growth & Employers
Work alongside employers, schools, universities and community partners to ensure our curriculum responds to current and future workforce needs, creating clear pathways into meaningful employment and supporting businesses to thrive.
4. Culture, People & Belonging
Create a high-performing culture where every student and every member of staff feels valued, respected, supported and inspired to achieve their best.
5. Sustainable, Future-Ready College
Invest in our estate, technology, systems and partnerships to ensure Lakes College remains financially strong, environmentally responsible and ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Our College Values
Our values shape our culture, guide our decisions and define how we work together.
Belong
We create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and able to succeed.
Perform
We set high standards and deliver outstanding outcomes.
Innovate
We embrace change, lead thinking and shape the landscape of skills. We are curious, challenge existing processes and create future-ready solutions.
Connect
We work with a broad range of stakeholders and ensure our education solutions meet local and regional needs.
Inspire
Everyone is a leader. We motivate, promoting high ambition in our students, staff and communities.
Working with Our Partners
No single organisation can deliver the future West Cumbria needs alone. Our success is built on partnership, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating opportunity.
We work closely with employers, schools, universities, public sector organisations and community partners to develop talent, strengthen communities and support regional growth.
From strategic partnerships with Sellafield, the NHS and Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, to our work with Cumberland Council, local schools, the University of Cumbria and The Open University, we are proud to play a leading role in a connected education and skills ecosystem.
Together, we are creating clear pathways into learning, employment and higher education, ensuring that local people can access the opportunities being created across West Cumbria and beyond.
Together, we are powering futures, strengthening communities and shaping the future of our region.
