Runshaw College

About Runshaw College

Runshaw College has proudly served South Ribble, Chorley and the surrounding region since 1974. Established as a sixth-form college for two local high schools, it has grown into a strategically important tertiary institution, renowned locally and nationally for excellence in education. Today, the college serves a broad and diverse community across Lancashire and beyond, working in partnership with more than 60 local high schools, as well as hundreds of employers, universities and civic organisations.

The college believes that exceptional education changes lives and therefore puts teaching, learning and the needs of its students first. As a comprehensive and inclusive tertiary college, Runshaw offers a broad range of academic, vocational, adult learning and apprenticeship programmes, ensuring over 6000 learners with different backgrounds, interests and ambitions have opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Runshaw College is an extremely popular first-choice destination for young people across the region. Its provision supports progression to higher education, apprenticeships and skilled employment, alongside opportunities for adults seeking to develop new skills, retrain or advance in their chosen profession. The college works closely with employers and stakeholders to ensure its curriculum remains aligned with local, regional and national priorities, including the skills needs of the economy.

The college has built a strong reputation for educational excellence over more than five decades, underpinned by exceptional support, advice and guidance, a broad and vibrant curriculum, and a commitment to helping every learner achieve their ambitions. In March 2025, Ofsted recognised this impact, concluding that the college “makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs”.

Runshaw continues to invest significantly in its facilities and learning environments. Recent developments have included the opening of the Buttermere building and Health Science facilities, while further investment is planned through the college’s long-term estates strategy, including the completion of the new Windermere building for September 2027.

Today, as throughout its history, Runshaw College remains focused on delivering high-quality education, responding to the needs of learners, employers and communities, and creating opportunities that enable people to succeed. Guided by its vision of being a Great Place to Study, a Great Place to Work and a Great Place for Partnerships, the college continues to make a significant contribution to the social and economic prosperity of Lancashire and the wider region. Through its membership of The Lancashire Colleges and its extensive employer and civic partnerships, Runshaw College plays an active role in shaping education, skills and workforce development across Lancashire.