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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 Facilities 8

    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.

    NCG is governed by a Corporation Board, which exists to ensure the effective running of the organisation at all levels. In addition, each of our colleges has a local college board that acts as a committee of the Corporation Board. You can read more about NCG’s place-based governance model here.

    Carlisle College: Part of NCG

    Our Board and Governors

    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 2025

    Spring Term

    January - March 2026

    Summer Term

    April - July 2026

    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.

    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.

    Lee Todd

    Lee Todd

    Assistant Principal

    Lee is a proud Cumbrian, originally from Whitehaven. After spending 18 years working across the UK as a Carpenter & Joiner, he transitioned into education in 2009, becoming a Lecturer in Carpentry and Joinery. His experience working with apprentices on site inspired a strong passion for developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, prompting his move from industry into teaching. Lee went on to progress into the role of Head of Construction at Lakes College before joining Carlisle College as Assistant Principal in 2025. Outside of work, Lee has a strong interest in food, from growing and sourcing ingredients to cooking and enjoying them. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the Lake District and spends much of his free time walking and exploring in the Cumbrian fells and paddleboarding. Lee is also a keen football supporter and a Level 2 FA-qualified coach.

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