Vision, Strategy and Intent
Carlisle College is a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring further education college serving the post-16 education and training needs of Carlisle and the surrounding area.
Developed in 2020 and launched in 2021, our strategy is aligned to NCG’s Strategy to 2030 and sets out our role in the region to support our students, communities and employer partners. The strategy outlines the strategic objectives that will help us to achieve our vision. This strategy is being reviewed in 24/25.
Our Strategic Objectives
Exceptional Teaching and Learning
What are we striving for?
As the region’s leading college, we will attract and invest in the development of the most talented teaching professionals, to offer an exceptional learner experience which all colleagues, students and our communities are proud to recommend.
Why?
In a period of remarkable change, the region’s young people and adults deserve, need and expect the highest quality learning experience and a curriculum to launch their future careers.
Employability, Enterprise and Enrichment
What are we striving for?
An innovative and aligned curriculum informed by knowledge transfer from industry, which rises to the region’s skills challenges and produces students ready for the workplace who can respond to the jobs of the future.
Why?
Retraining, upskilling and delivering high level skills will dominate local and national priorities if the Northern and UK economies are to rebound from economic shock. Carlisle College has a dual mandate: meeting future specialist skills demand, and warding against unemployment within our region.
Building Our Region's Workforce
What are we striving for?
Carlisle College will be the region’s go-to place for workforce planning.
Why?
Hand in hand with economic recovery, apprenticeships launch well-paid, meaningful careers. Significant skills gaps within Cumbria are likely to be compounded by the UK’s departure from the EU, especially in higher, technical and specialist skill areas, whilst measures arising from the pandemic threaten historic unemployment
Expanding the Higher Education Offer
What are we striving for?
Leveraging the power of NCG’s Taught Degree Awarding Powers to create niche specialisms which drive higher-level skills for the region, we will become the provider of choice for higher vocational, technical and professional education in Cumbria.
Why?
Cumbria has one of the lowest rates of degree-qualified residents of the UK; located in the regional population centre, in collaboration with partners, with our unique degree awarding powers we can create progression escalators across all of our specialisms from entry level to degree and beyond.
Learning Enhanced by Technology
What are we striving for?
Technology will augment and strengthen all aspects of the learning experience at Carlisle College. Implementing our Digital Strategy, learners will access their programmes using technology wherever it adds value, but acquire skills, confidence and know-how to harness it for life and work.
Why?
Unprecedented change has accelerated digital transformation, and in a region requiring higher levels of skill, and an awareness of the critical importance of inclusive digital growth, our learners require the tools and the skills to thrive in future economies.
High Performing Colleagues
What are we striving for?
To deliver exceptional education, Carlisle College has a dedicated team of creative professionals, many of whom are dual professionals with industry and teaching backgrounds.
Why?
Colleagues are aspiring, ambitious and inspiring leaders of the future, with the highest expectations and standards, striving for excellence.
Leading with Partners for Our Communities
What are we striving for?
Carlisle College is a dynamic nucleus for our city, shaping the skills agenda for our region, bringing social mobility for Cumbrian residents and contributing to civic engagement and societal transformation.
Why?
Carlisle is set to benefit from a number of developments in the coming years, which will add to its population, generate a greater need for services, encourage investment and position Carlisle as the regional and economic capital of the Borderlands. In a changing and uncertain world, the College plays a critical role in preparing local people to meet the demands that change will bring.
Investing in Our Future
What are we striving for?
Generating healthy surpluses to reinvest for the best possible learning experience.
Why?
Creating an exceptional, inspiring learning environment needs continual investment. In a changing and challenging world, we will need to maintain and improve financial resilience and sustainability through income growth and diversification, effective and efficient planning, responsiveness and prioritisation.
Principalship Team
Sarah McGrath
Principal of Carlisle CollegeSarah 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
Vice Principal of Curriculum and QualityChristian 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
Assistant Principal - CurriculumJack 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
Assistant Principal - Learner ExperienceSuzy 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.
NCG Strategy
to 2030
NCG’s Strategy Towards 2030 sets out our ambitions for the next six years and the underpinning objectives and values that will get us there.
Accountability
Statement
Carlisle College's Accountability Statement forms part of the NCG Accountability Statement. You can read this statement here.