Kirkley Hall residential accommodation rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

Northumberland College’s residential accommodation at its Kirkley Hall Campus has been rated Outstanding across all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection, following a rigorous three-day visit in March 2025.

Inspectors found the college’s residential provision to be outstanding with ‘overall experiences and progress of young people’, ‘how well young people are helped and protected’ as well as ‘the effectiveness of leaders and managers’ all receiving the highest possible grade.

During the visit, inspectors spoke with students and staff across the campus, noting that “students feel listened to, valued, and their opinions are important” and that a “positive, safe, and lively culture has become embedded in the residence.”

Overall, the report stated that “The college provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the college contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people.”

Vikkie Morton, Vice Principal for Student Life and Stronger Communities, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ across all areas.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our caring, student-centred approach, the dedication of our staff, and the inclusive culture we’ve cultivated over time. The inspection report captures the very heart of what makes our residential provision so special – strong relationships, innovation, and life-changing experiences.”

“Our focus on wellbeing, life skills and high-quality relationships ensure students not only succeed but thrive, leaving with skills, confidence, lifelong memories and lasting friendships.”

Earlier this year, Kirkley Hall was ranked the top performing specialist land-based college in the country for 16–18-year-old student achievement.

The college’s residential provision enhances an already outstanding curriculum, giving students from outside Northumberland the opportunity to study in specialist facilities, including a national award-winning, highly specialist training zoo, a working commercial farm, a specialist equine centre and veterinary nursing facilities.

In the report, the inspectors said the holistic emotional and practical care that students receive is “exceptional” commenting that “students will leave college with positive life-long memories” and that many will have “transformative experiences.”

Residential students are supported by a team of dedicated Student Services, Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Residential staff and take part in social, health and community activities as well as cookery lessons and budget management workshops to help them live independently.

The report commended this approach and how “students talk enthusiastically about how they are growing in their sense of personal responsibility and independence towards adulthood.”

Lee Lister, Kirkley Hall’s Campus Principal, said: “The outstanding education and experience at Kirkley Hall Campus for all students is further enhanced for those students who stay with us in our equally outstanding residential provision.

“The accommodation supports students who live across the North East to access the study our specialist land-based courses, where travel to learn is a real barrier, supporting both their independence and career progression.”

Read the full Ofsted report by clicking here.

To find out more about studying at Kirkley Hall Campus, and its outstanding residential accommodation and provision, visit www.northumberland.ac.uk.