Staying over whilst you study is the best way to experience our College if you can. Don’t just take our word for it – we have asked our students what the best things about studying residentially are.
Here are the top five reasons:
No matter what your reason is for applying to stay residentially you will get so much more from the experience. Our College is your home from home.
Visit our course search page to find your perfect course.
Contact our Student Support Team to find out more about residential study.
advice@northern.ac.uk
A South Yorkshire politician has visited Northern College to hear about the life changing impact of adult education.
Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis MP was welcomed by staff at Northern College, which is the only adult residential college in the North of England.
The Ofsted graded ‘good’ college has a proud history of providing life changing opportunities to adults who have returned to learning.
During his visit on 7th July 2023, Mr Jarvis completed a campus tour and heard about the impact of the college as well its recent positive Ofsted report and plans for the future.
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “Northern College changes lives and is a unique and valuable regional asset. We are immensely proud of the work that we do with adult learners.
“Our focus is on raising aspirations and providing life changing opportunities that inspire our students to progress in education, employment and their careers. It was great to be able to share that with Dan Jarvis MP.”
Dan Jarvis MP said: ““Northern College is one of Barnsley’s proudest institutions and the only adult residential college in the North. Quite simply, it is an iconic part of Yorkshire’s educational and cultural landscape.
“Institutions like Northern College create opportunities, they contribute to growing productivity and are vital to our future prosperity.
“It was great to meet with Emma and hear about how the college is ensuring our workforce is equipped to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and adapt to the ever-changing world of work.”
Based at Wentworth Castle, Barnsley, the college provides short tailored learning courses and longer accredited academic and vocational courses that enable students to progress on to further study, higher education or work.
Focussed on addressing socio-economic disadvantage, the college educates hundreds of adults across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and beyond, every year.
A significant proportion of learners are from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and have additional learning needs.
Leaders and staff have been praised for providing an exceptional and unique environment for learning in the latest Ofsted inspection report, published in April 2023.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often arrive at the college with low self-esteem, overcome significant personal barriers to develop their confidence and skills, the report highlights.
Many, the report adds, move onto higher-level learning. Others use the skills and attributes they have gained to enhance their personal lives and the contribution that they can make to their communities.
Most students on accredited courses gain substantial new knowledge and skills, and a high proportion achieve the qualifications that they need to pursue their career goals.
Find out more about courses at Northern College.
Did you know Northern College for Adults can provide support to charities and community groups to attend courses at the College?
To qualify groups, need to be a minimum of ten individuals and come from within the South Yorkshire or West Yorkshire regions.
We have a wide range of courses available that focus on building confidence and developing life and work skills.
Availability is limited so contact us now for more details.
01226 776000
We celebrated learning and achievement across Lifelong Learning and Skills at the annual Learner Awards on 8th June.
The event was hosted and organised by Family and Community Education Services (FACES) as part of Sheffield City Council.
We attended with other colleges, universities and organisations to speak with the learners to provide information around Further and Higher Education as a progression pathway following the celebration event.
FACES deliver adult learning courses in community settings across the city of Sheffield.
The event was a fantastic opportunity to come together with learners and other partners to celebrate the benefits of adult education across the region.
‘The event was a great opportunity to celebrate learning and achievement for adult learners in the South Yorkshire region. We also had a great opportunity to talk to many prospective students and provide information about how studying at Northern College can aid them in their future progression goals. After meeting other colleagues across the sector, we are looking forward to potential future partnerships to aid students at Northern College.’ Hannah Williams, Careers and Work Placement Adviser
Further information
Family Adult Community Education
It’s no secret that being outdoors has many benefits for us – but did you know that you can also learn whilst being outside? Our College is the perfect place to do just that.
We are in the heart of national trust parkland including allotments, gardens and forests that provide that much needed hit of nature and lets you learn something new.
Our top 5 reasons for completing an outdoor course are:
As well as improving physical fitness, learning outside can aid the development of motor skills, gives the body and mind time to absorb fresh air leading to a reduction in headaches and tiredness, provides valuable exposure to the sun and, in turn, Vitamin D and can improve coordination and balance.
Being outside with nature can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and sadness. It has also been proven that nature helps to reduce stress. Learning should always be fun and outdoor learning is no exception; some would argue it is even more fun. A change in routine can help to reignite excitement for learning
By having the opportunity to be outside, we get to experience more of the world around us. We can observe natural phenomena and have time to notice patterns and regularities. Nature is beautiful; being given the time to be surrounded by it allows us to fully appreciate it.
As with all lessons, outdoor learning helps develop many key skills! This includes problem solving, patience, resilience, independence, and confidence
Effective communication is an essential skill, which can be utilised and developed effectively through outdoor learning. Outdoor learning is also perfect for teamwork, which develops key skills such as turn taking, listening and respecting the views of others.
How do I know if they are right for me?
Ask yourself two questions – Do you like being outside? Do you want to start learning again? If the answer to these is yes then these courses are the perfect for you.
We have introduction level courses to build your confidence as well as our new Horticulture course. The Horticulture course is really popular and whilst in it you will:
Where can I apply?
Just visit our website below to look at the courses available and apply now.
We are delighted to announce that, following our recent inspection, we have received a ‘Good’ Overall Effectiveness rating from Ofsted across all five areas;
It is also reported that the college makes a reasonable contribution to meeting skills needs.
“Transforming adults lives through education is at the heart of life at Northern College and I want to thank all our students, staff and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to achieving that aim.
This report provides important recognition of the strong focus the College has on ensuring a bright future and embracing change whilst maintaining ‘a culture of care and empathy in an inclusive environment.” Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive
“Northern College offers a unique education to adults across the region, and I am pleased to see the quality of the offer confirmed through inspection.” Mark Sanders, Chair of Govenor’s
Highlights from the report include:
‘Leaders and teachers promote a culture of care and empathy in an inclusive environment where students feel valued, supported and respected.’
‘Tutors have high expectations for what their students can achieve. Their encouragement and support motivates students to meet and, in many instances, exceed their personal learning goals.’
‘Students value highly the relaxed and friendly ambience that pervades the college and the opportunity to enjoy the building and its surroundings.’
‘Leaders and managers engage and consult with their stakeholders as they develop and plan a curriculum that prepares students to progress to the next steps in education or employment and to meet skills needs.’
Click here to read the full report
We are excited to announce a new course for September 2023, Access to HE Psychology.
This course will give students the relevant academic skills and subject knowledge needed for progression to higher education. This Diploma provides an opportunity to observe the full spectrum of human behaviour, from childhood to adulthood, as well as the methodologies behind diagnosis, treatment, and support when issues are identified.
This Diploma gives students a chance to learn about a diverse variety of fields in psychology, including biopsychology, cognitive psychology and counselling theory.
Students will learn:
Once students have successfully completed this course, they will be able to apply for a range of degrees such as:
‘This is a fantastic opportunity for students to join Northern College and begin their journey to Higher Education. Psychology is a popular subject amongst many of our students so to be able to now offer this as an access course is great news.’ Lyndsay Cooper, Curriculum Manager.
Further information
To raise money for this year’s The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) Challenge staff and students from Northern College, together will walk 323 miles in just one week.
Taking advantage of our unique location within National Trust grounds the College has designed a route for participants to complete each day for one week from the 15th May 2023.
The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) exists to support young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK. As the mental health challenges faced by young adults and students continues to increase, which have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, improving young adult mental health and fitness is vitally important.
Donations or sponsorship money can paid by cash or card to reception at the College, or you can pay directly to the GiveStar fund raising web page which has been created in Northern Colleges’ name – https://givestar.io/gs/XU7JVVV
The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT)
In aid of the British Inspiration Trust registered charity 1137795 (England/Wales)
Learn how to remove self-doubt and the fear of failure, Become the person who you want to be.
On Wednesday May 17th 10.00am – 12.00pm join Mindset Coach Steve Lenagh former Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and Chesterfield Football Club, who now runs The Curious Northerner.
Free event, car parking and tour of our beautiful Grade 1 listed building and refreshments.
Continuing with our close work with South Yorkshire Housing Association we recently took our Multiply workshop out to SYHA Beaufort Project to deliver to their clients.
Students took part in a workshop developing a meal plan on a limited budget. The workshop introduces people to maths in a practical and relatable way. There were some great ideas and recipes created that really showed what you can make on a limited budget with a lot of imagination!
The SYHA Beaufort Project supports people who have been in long term mental health care to adapt to independent living.
We will be welcoming service users to the College at our upcoming Open Day and hope to work more in partnership with this important service in the region.
Further information
Open days and events at Northern College
If doesn’t matter where you are in your learning journey – we can help you find the best place to start.
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We have a whole team to support you through your studies to make sure you do well.
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We can offer you all the advice you need about course fees, funding support and Advanced Learner Loans.
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Our students tell it best – find out more about their own journeys.
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