New £40m vet school in Lancashire Aims to break barriers and boost in animal care
Lancashire’s first veterinary school opens with a mission to boost diversity and train the next generation of animal care professionals.
A brand-new £40 million veterinary school has officially opened in Lancashire — with a mission to make the profession more diverse, inclusive, and resilient.
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has launched the UK’s eleventh school of veterinary medicine, aiming to train the next generation of vets from a wide range of backgrounds. It’s the first of its kind in the county and only the second in the North West.
“This is the start of an exciting new chapter,” said Professor Graham Baldwin, UCLan’s Vice-Chancellor.
“We’re proud to be opening doors to a profession that needs to better reflect the communities it serves.”
Currently, just 4% of UK vets are Black or people of colour — and veterinary medicine ranks among the lowest subjects for social mobility. UCLan’s new school is hoping to change that, with a widened admissions policy and a curriculum that supports students’ wellbeing, resilience, and real-world skills.
“If people can see themselves represented in a profession, they’re more likely to pursue it,” added Professor Baldwin.
The new 50,000 square foot building includes:
Simulated consultation rooms and operating theatres
A hydrotherapy treadmill and physiotherapy suite for dogs
Diagnostic suites with x-ray and ultrasound
A unique ‘Immersive Room’ with interactive walls and even smells — one of only two in the world
Dr Heather Bacon OBE, Dean of Veterinary Medicine, says the school is designed to support students from under-represented communities and help tackle the profession’s retention challenges.
“We want to open the doors to a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine,” she said.
“Our curriculum is built around wellbeing, ethics, and communication — the real-life challenges vets face every day.”
The school is expected to strengthen UCLan’s role as a key player in the region, contributing over £300 million to the local economy each year.