Introduction

As per reported, Bournemouth and Poole College has officially opened a new £1.1 million health and care academy at its Poole campus, aiming to train the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and experience needed to meet the growing demands of the NHS and care sector.

The facility, launched on Tuesday, is designed to deliver immersive, real-world training to students preparing for careers in health and social care. A standout feature of the academy is a state-of-the-art simulation suite, including a four-bed hospital ward and a high-spec care setting complete with a working kitchen and bedroom. This hands-on environment mirrors actual clinical and domestic care situations, enabling learners to develop critical technical and interpersonal skills.

Jointly funded by the Department for Education, the academy also houses three fully refurbished classrooms equipped with advanced learning technology. It was developed in partnership with local NHS trusts, care providers, and universities to ensure its curriculum meets the practical needs of the healthcare industry.

Louise Garner, the college’s director of learning for science, care, and health, highlighted the focus on building both professional competence and key soft skills. “We are ensuring that students develop the technical skills, caring attitudes, interpersonal skills, and confidence required to thrive in the healthcare sector,” she said. Garner also underscored the value of the college’s strong links with local employers and universities in shaping a responsive and up-to-date educational experience.

The academy uses advanced patient-simulation mannequins capable of replicating a variety of medical conditions and responses. These tools allow students to practice procedures and make clinical decisions in a controlled, risk-free environment before transitioning into real-world placements.

Phil Sayles, principal and chief executive of Bournemouth and Poole College, described the new academy as a “milestone in educational innovation.” He noted that it reflects the college’s commitment to offering practical career routes for both young people and adults looking to enter or progress in the health and care sectors. “We are proud of innovation from our college, one of many that mean we can create progression routes for local people, both school leavers and adults, to plot a career path into the vital services and industries our country needs,” he said.

The launch comes at a critical time, as the UK grapples with rising healthcare demands and workforce shortages, intensified by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and an ageing population. The new academy aims to directly address these challenges by producing job-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to health and social care services.

Beyond its focus on future professionals, the facility is also expected to offer opportunities for existing workers seeking to upskill or retrain, enhancing the adaptability and resilience of the sector’s workforce.

In all, the £1.1 million health and care academy represents a major investment in the future of healthcare education. With its focus on real-world learning, sector-aligned curriculum, and collaborative development with industry experts, Bournemouth and Poole College is setting a strong example of how educational institutions can play a pivotal role in building a healthier, better-supported society.