The scholarship programme at Blackburn College celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding attitude, effort, and performance in their chosen fields. Alongside recognising their achievements, the programme provides financial support that boosts confidence, removes barriers, and empowers them to focus on their studies and future goals.
As recipients, these students become ambassadors for themselves and the College, exemplifying dedication and aspiration. The scholarships not only motivate students to excel further but also strengthens a culture of excellence across the College community.
Pictured are our scholarship recipients for the 2025/26 academic year.
Our Scholarships
- High Achievers Scholarship x 9
- The Amelia Ashworth Creative Scholarship x 1
- The Agnes Eccles Art Award Fund x 2 (1 x HE, 1 x FE)
- Vocational Excellence Scholarship x 2 per FE School
- Sporting Excellence Scholarship x 1
High Achievers Scholarships
This is a scholarship for new students who have gained, or are expecting to achieve, GCSE grades of at least:
- 3 x Grade 7 and 3 x Grade 8
The academic scholarship is designed to support you and provide financial assistance towards the costs of fulfilling your academic potential without the added pressure of having to take on paid work.
When you receive your GCSE results, you will need to complete the application form and email a copy of your results to us: studentfinance@blackburn.ac.uk
You will be asked to actively promote the College and represent the students of the College on committees, focus groups and College events.
Amelia Ashworth Creative Scholarship
This scholarship is worth up to £1000 and is available for one creative arts student, who can demonstrate an outstanding portfolio and a desire to invest their time and talents in developing a charitable project, therefore continuing Millie’s legacy.
Millie Ashworth studied on the Film and Media course between 2017 and 2019 and was a wonderful and humble, but most of all, courageous person. As a student Millie produced excellent work and would bravely take on roles that she was naturally gifted in, and this ultimately opened the door to university study.
Millie overcame so much in her time at Blackburn College and this Scholarship is to help others do the same.
Agnes Eccles Art Award Fund
The Agnes Eccles Art Award Fund provides two annual prizes of £500 for art students, one from Higher Education and one from Further Education.
Agnes Eccles, a resident of Darwen who died in February 1957 aged 81, left a legacy to fund Art Scholarships to promote and encourage art students in Blackburn or Darwen.
Sporting Excellence Scholarship
The Sporting Excellence Scholarship is for new students who participate in sport at regional, national or international levels.
The scholarship is designed to support new students and provide financial assistance towards the costs of fulfilling your sporting potential. You may use the money for transport to practice sessions or competitions, buy quality equipment and/or pay for a specialist coach.
You will be required to actively promote the College and represent the students of the College on committees, focus groups and College events.
Vocational Excellence Scholarships
The Vocational Excellence Scholarship is for students who can demonstrate excellence in their chosen vocational area. You will also need to have an excellent school report.
The scholarship is designed to support students and provide financial assistance towards the costs of transport to practice sessions, buying quality equipment or uniform and/or hiring venues.
You will be required to actively promote the college and represent the students of the College on committees, focus groups and College events.
How to apply for a Scholarship
- Please complete the online form to apply for a Scholarship at Blackburn College.
- Review the data protection statement, and then submit your application.
- Email a copy of your most recent school report and your GCSE results (if known) to us.
- Use the subject heading 'Scholarship application' and email: studentfinance@blackburn.ac.uk
For further information or an update on your application please contact us at: studentfinance@blackburn.ac.uk
Terms and conditions
- All Scholarships at Blackburn College are limited, available to new students aged 16 to 18 years old only (apart from the Agnes Eccles HE Award)
- Scholarship applications are assessed on an individual basis against set criteria
- Students will be required to attend an interview and if successful a contract of agreement will be formed
- If students leave the College against the advice of a member of College staff, have poor grades, attendance or behaviour they will be expected to return the scholarship payment
Payment of scholarships
Scholarship Payments will be paid in three instalments, one at the end of each term, for a maximum of two years and are subject to provision of a good progress report.
Our policy
