Why choose Northumberland College?

Here at Northumberland College we strive for high standards of teaching and learning. We received Ofsted Grade 2 results in 2013 and in 2017, so you can be assured of good levels of quality.

Our latest Ofsted inspection rated the college as good and inspectors said:

"The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good."

"Students benefit from highly skilled and experienced teachers with credible industry knowledge."

"Students make good progress on their course and most move on to employment or higher levels of study."

Vocational Courses

We offer courses from Entry Level to Level 3, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. Our courses are designed in conjunction with industry experts and we'll prepare you for further study or for the world of work.

Our subjects range from art and design to engineering and we can help you to progress to the next level so if you are thinking of studying a higher education course check out our courses, alternatively we'll prepare to move on to study at university.

Apprenticeships

Choose from over 40 different Apprenticeships, one of the largest range of Apprenticeships in the region. We have excellent links with employers in Northumberland and the wider North East region so we can also help you to find an employer.

Employability

If you are unemployed and you are looking to re-skill or build up your confidence, an Employability course could be ideal for you.

You will cover team work skills, CV writing, interview skills and we'll help you to identify your transferable skills.

Short Courses

If you are looking for a short part-time course, we have hundreds to choose from in everything from garden design to digital skills.

HE Access Courses

We offer popular Higher Education Foundation Certificate courses (HEFCs), which are the equivalent of A Level study and are perfect for adult learners aged 19 or over who would like to progress to university, but need additional qualifications to meet entry criteria.

HE Courses

Choose from HNC or HND courses - these Level 4 courses are widely recognised and valued as vocational higher education qualifications by employers.

We also offer a range of Foundation Degrees that are validated by our leading university partners including Newcastle University, University of Cumbria and University of Huddersfield.

From the moment you apply you will be advised by our award winning Student Services team. Our Help Hub Team has been accredited by Matrix, which is the quality standard for information, advice and guidance so you will get help right away.

You'll also have regular meetings with your personal tutor to chat about your progress. They'll be able to give you advice when you're thinking about work or university-level study.

Careers and Mentors

We offer impartial careers advice and have a dedicated team of mentors.

Higher Education students may contact a dedicated HE Mentor to discuss any support requirements.

IT and e-resources

Students may access quiet study areas and receive an induction to get the best from an array of e-resources that are available.

Additional Learning Support (ALS)

If you have a support need, either for a physical disability or learning difficulty our dedicated ALS team is here to help.

Financial Support

The Help Hub team will be able to advise you on whether or not you may be eligible for support with course costs such as books, equipment or uniform. They can also advise you about financial support, help with childcare costs or travel costs.

The Help Hub team can help with any questions you might have about HE loans or the Advanced Learner Loan - these loans will help you to cover tuition fees, they are not subject to credit checks and you will only start to re-pay the loan when you earn £25,000 or more.

HE students may also apply for a bursary of up to £1,000 to help with any course related costs - just ask the Help Hub for full details - eligibility criteria applies.

Our Kirkley Hall Campus has 90 rooms available for residential students to stay on campus.

The halls of residence are managed by a team of wardens to ensure safeguarding and there are a range of leisure facilities at the on-site student bar.

If you are 16-18 and you are thinking of making your next steps, you'll enjoy the vibe at Northumberland College. This is a diverse and inclusive environment where you'll make new friends. We'll support you at every step of your college course, but we'll also encourage you to be independent and prepare you for your next steps.

We've recently invested over £14m. You will benefit from excellent facilities that are of industry standard so you'll be prepared for your future career. Facilities include:

• Dedicated studio space for art, design, fashion, textiles and photography
• Replica aircraft for cabin crew training
• Luxurious hair and beauty salons with nail bar and individual treatment rooms
• Technology Park with the latest industry-standard equipment and £2.5m STEM centre
• State-of-the-art construction workshops dedicated to carpentry and joinery, highways, brickwork and painting and decorating
• Electrical installation workshops
• Spacious motor vehicle workshop with six vehicle bays and diagnostic equipment
• Wind Hub and Renewable Energies Centre- based at Port of Blyth
• A 17th century rural estate with a grade II listed Hall
• The Gallery fine dining restaurant
• Fully equipped commercial kitchens
• An equestrian centre with indoor and outdoor riding arenas, 25 horse stable yard and specialist equine facilities. 
• Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens with over 200 species
• A veterinary centre and grooming parlour
• An outdoor activity centre with high ropes course, climbing walls and 120m zip wire and a sailing base at Blyth
• Two farms; one at Kirkley Hall and one in the Coquet Valley
• Victorian walled gardens, over 1,330m2 of greenhouses and a garden design studio
• Arboriculture and tractor workshops with three agricultural vehicle bays

• Pre-winter car check at cost (bookings by appointment)
• FREE fitness / enrichment activities
• Participation in a range of female fitness activities to boost personal fitness
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
• 50% off entry to Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens (up to a Family Ticket - 2 Adults & 3 Children)
• 20% off in The Orangery Tea Room
• 20% off the Zip Wire at Kirkley Hall Activity Centre
• Discounts at Kirkley Hall Dog Grooming
• Plus discounts can be obtained using your student card at a range of venues 

We'll help you to believe, achieve and succeed so whatever you want to do, join us and we'll help you get there.