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    About the College

    Carlisle College offers an extensive range of higher and further education, professional qualifications, and community programmes.

    Whether you're looking for an apprenticeship, an alternative option to Sixth Form studies, additional qualifications, or are looking to further your studies with a degree, Carlisle College has an extensive range of subjects and career paths to help get you started. No matter what your qualifications or ability, we'll help you take the steps to begin your chosen career route.

    Over 100

    courses available

    350

    350+ employer partners

    Good

    Ofsted Report 2024

    Carlisle College 2

    Vision, Strategy and Intent

    Our strategy is aligned to NCG’s Strategy to 2030. Its aim is to deliver the College vision to develop the skills and talents of our students to succeed in modern enterprise and make a positive contribution to the prosperity of our region. Our curriculum intent is to develop the skills that students need for their next steps in education, training or employment.

    Vision, Strategy and Intent
    Carlisle College 3

    We are Part of NCG

    Carlisle College is part of the NCG group of colleges. NCG's mission is to ‘enable social mobility and economic prosperity through exceptional education’. NCG exists to create life-changing opportunities for people that strengthens the prosperity of their local communities.

    Our partner colleges include: Kidderminster College, Lewisham College, Newcastle College, Newcastle Sixth Form College, Southwark College and West Lancashire College.

    NCG is governed by a Corporation Board, which exists to ensure the effective running of the organisation at all levels. It consists of independent governors who each bring their own skills and experience, along with staff and student governors. The Corporation and its governors lead on core oversight including strategy, finance, risk and assurance.

    In addition, each of our colleges has a local college board that acts as a committee of the Corporation Board. NCG operates a place-based model of governance which ensures that NCG local college boards are truly responsive to the communities they serve by providing them with the freedom to explore in greater depth, the curriculum, skills and employment issues which will have the most impact within their region. 

    You can read more about NCG’s place-based governance model here.

    You can find details of NCG’s Corporation and Carlisle College Local College Board here

    Carlisle College: Part of NCG

    NCG
    Guarantee

    As an NCG student, you have the opportunity to gain a certificate that will support your future career prospects by taking part in a range of extra-curricular activities and initiatives.

    Term Dates

    Autumn Term

    September - December 2024

    Spring Term

    January - April 2025

    Summer Term

    April - June 2025

    Good to know

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    Policies and Statements

    Here you can find the policies and statements that guide our teaching and support.

    More information
    Carlisle College 8

    Current Students

    Here you’ll find access to a range of information, resources and tools that will support your learning and help you reach your full potential.

    More information

    Around Carlisle College

    Meet our Principalship Team

    Carlisle College Principal Sarah Mcgrath 2

    Sarah McGrath

    Principal of Carlisle College

    Sarah became Principal of Carlisle College in 2021, after a number of years leading quality and curriculum as Assistant Principal. Before becoming part of the Senior Leadership Team, Sarah taught Maths and English for Adults, along with a range of Art and Craft classes. With over 20 years of experience in Further Education, Sarah is passionate about the difference it can make to people's lives, and is driven by widening participation and improving life chances of the people of Carlisle and beyond. Sarah is passionate about Cumbria, and chose this area to raise a family. She loves the outdoors - particularly walking, climbing and surfing. Sarah also loves crafts, especially anything fabric based and making clothes.

    Christian Thersby 2

    Christian Thersby

    Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality

    Christian became Vice Principal at Carlisle College in 2021 and has worked in Education since 2004. Prior to this his career saw him spend 8 years in the Chemical Industry working for a large multinational corporation. Christian studied Sport Science at Liverpool John Moores University, before gaining a PGCE and Masters in Education at the University of Huddersfield. He then taught as a Sport and UPS lecturer in Yorkshire, progressing to Curriculum Lead, then Head of Faculty for multiple curriculum areas including Teacher Education. Christian is passionate about helping young people get the best start, and has also worked with the probation service, youth offenders, and disengaged young people. Originally from Yorkshire, Christian loves Cumbria and relocated here for the role with us. A huge sports fan, Christian is a Bradford City season ticket holder and a youth football scout. He also loves the outdoors and is a keen mountain biker, competing in the Extreme Mega Avalanche Race.

    Jack Redpath (1)

    Jack Redpath

    Assistant Principal - Curriculum

    Jack joined us as Assistant Principal in 2024. Prior to joining Carlisle College, Jack lectured in Strength and Conditioning at Newcastle College, also part of NCG, before becoming Head of Curriculum at Newcastle, for the School of Music and Performing Arts. Jack has a background in Sports Science, and an MBA in Educational Leadership. Some of Jack’s key accomplishments include the development of Bootcamps, writing Degree Programmes in conjunction with employers, and the development of stakeholder partnerships to influence and co-design curriculums. A keen sportsman with a background in Rugby and contact sports such as Boxing and Thai Boxing, Jack also loves camping and fishing, spending most of his time in the outdoors. Jack originally got into teaching through his Music career where he was a professional drummer.

    Suzy Willings

    Suzy Willings

    Assistant Principal - Learner Experience

    Suzy joined Carlisle College as an Assistant Principal in 2024, having led the business provision at Newcastle College for the past 4 years as Head of Curriculum. After beginning her career as a business teacher within Secondary Schools, Suzy moved into Further Education in 2009. In 2014 Suzy joined Newcastle College, also part of NCG, as Programme Leader before progressing to Curriculum Lead in 2017. Suzy is passionate about working with young people to improve experience, outcomes and opportunities, and brings more than 20 years of education experience to Carlisle College. Prior to embarking on a career in education, Suzy gained a wealth of experience in the business sector, working as a business analyst in a variety of industries. When not at work, Suzy enjoys baking, going to the local cinema and playing the piano (badly). Suzy is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Carlisle College.

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    Our Board and Governors

    Get in Touch

    Phone: 01228 822 700
    Email: info@carlisle.ac.uk
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