Wigan & Leigh College is the only general further education college in the towns of Wigan and Leigh and was formed in April 1992 through the merger of Wigan College of Technology and Leigh College. Its predecessor organisation, however, has been leading the way in the region since 1857.

Each year, more than 14,000 people choose to study at the college. They are encouraged and supported to achieve their potential through exceptional teaching, support and guidance across academic, vocational, technical and apprenticeship courses.

Pitched to suit all abilities, provision ranges from entry level through to professional and post-graduate courses. It includes A-level professional honours programmes or vocational qualifications such as BTECs – both of which can lead to university or degree apprenticeships – plus an expanding portfolio of foundation degrees, top-up degrees, Higher Nationals, and certificates.

Wigan & Leigh College students and staff – past and present – proudly supported the region's NHS service by producing facemasks, PPE and scrubs for frontline workers. The institution sponsors local charity The Brick, which offers services to people who are homeless, in poverty or facing a debt crisis.

In the summer, the institution placed a huge emphasis on its cycle-to-work scheme, with students and staff signing up to it instead of using their car or public transport.

As the coronavirus crisis recedes, employees have remained empowered to work remotely and those on site have staggered start and end times. The college has not neglected its physical estate either – a recent multi-million pound investment provided top-of-the-range facilities, resources and learning environments.