The Northern College is a residential college dedicated to the education and training of men and women who are without formal qualifications and are seeking to return to learning. It also offers training for those who are active in community and voluntary groups as well as in trade unions and has a growing programme of work with employers.
The Northern College is committed to equal opportunities for all, and offers an outstanding learning environment in a residential setting, with a high level of support which enables students to make maximum use of their time and the facilities available.
The College's traditionally strong links with local authorities, community groups, voluntary organisations, trade unions and private sector companies enable it to contribute to social and economic regeneration through education and training in the community and the workplace. It has a national reputation for excellence and has been judged Outstanding by OfSTED.
We are a small college, but have over 4,000 student registrations a year. People come to us from many different backgrounds. They are men and women of all ages from 19 to over 80, often with families and dependants, some single parents accompanied by young children, many familiar with unemployment or part-time, low paid jobs.
But what they nearly all have in common is their determination to secure the education, qualifications and opportunities they have previously been denied. They wish to take control of their lives and change them for the better. Many hope that by doing this they can also help to improve the lives of those around them, by being more effective citizens. We offer a curriculum which starts from where students are, building on the experience of life and work that they bring with them, providing opportunities to acquire the new knowledge, skills and fresh understanding that are so important if people are to meet the demands made upon them.
The College's educational programmes provide a direct route from basic education through to higher education for those who want it. Whether students wish to learn something new, brush up on things they have forgotten, make a better contribution to a group or organisation to which they belong, or get a degree, the Northern College has something for them. Most of our courses are short, intensive residential courses of 3 to 5 days. We offer a one year Access to HE course and also have some non-residential provision either at college or in employers premises.
Finally, we believe that our students deserve the best we can provide, and that we as a College, must do our utmost to secure the best for them. As well as our magnificent buildings a key strength is the expertise and commitment of our staff - all our staff, be they teachers, managers, catering, cleaning or maintenance workers - to the welfare and success of our students. I would like to warmly welcome you to Northern College and hope that you will find much to interest you in our Web Site. 
Jill Westerman, Principal
