Further Education Colleges of Sanctuary is an initiative to celebrate the good practice of FE Colleges who foster a culture of welcome and belonging for all, especially students with asylum seeking and refugee backgrounds.
On 1st December 2023, we signed the pledge as a supporting organisation, committing to the below:
Toni Rhodes, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Education Partnership North East said: “We are delighted that we can formally share our pledge of commitment to achieving Sanctuary status.
“By creating an environment that is welcoming and safe and by providing the support that is much needed, it enables individuals to achieve the best possible outcomes and their own ambitions. For many seeking sanctuary, the experience they have at college will shape their lives significantly now and in the future.”
We are committed to supporting the College of Sanctuary’s charter and organisational values, including inclusivity, openness, participation, inspiration, and integrity, so that they can play a significant role in our region, to support building a more welcoming environment for people seeking sanctuary and migrants to the UK.
In working towards becoming a College of Sanctuary, there are a series of processes to learn, embed and share about asylum, refugee and migration issues and twelve minimum criteria must be met.
By signing the pledge, we endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within their work.
This means a college is committed to providing support and education to people seeking sanctuary and contributing to a culture of welcome within the community.
As a learning institution, colleges have an important role in fostering a culture of safety, respect and understanding for new students who are seeking sanctuary and can lead by example locally.
Vice Principal of Curriculum, Kendra Kirby said: “As anchor institutions in the communities we serve, we are committed to creating a culture of welcome, dignity and support to refugees and those seeking sanctuary. We believe that wherever we come from we all have a right to feel safe.
“We have pledged to join the movement of welcome and ensure through transformational education opportunities, those seeking sanctuary will thrive and have positive futures in the North East.”
Being a College of Sanctuary means recognising and celebrating the achievements of students seeking sanctuary, as well as raising awareness across the college community.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
Northumberland College have secured National Lottery funding for their project ‘Saddle up for Mental Health.’
May 6, 2025
Our residential accommodation at Kirkley Hall Campus has been rated Outstanding across all areas in our latest Ofsted inspection.
April 29, 2025
EPNE is delighted to share that Judith Quinn has been appointed as Northumberland College’s new Ashington Campus Principal.
April 24, 2025
