Northern College celebrates winning an Educate North Award 2025

Northern College has won a high profile award for its work supporting adults from a wide range of backgrounds from across Yorkshire and further afield to achieve their ambitions.

The college has just won the Liverpool Hope Prize; Outstanding Achievement for Social Mobility category of the Educate North Awards 2025.

The Educate North Awards recognise excellence and good practice at colleges, sixth forms and universities based across the North of England.

Diane Lawson, Assistant Principal for Student Experience, Northern College, said: “Winning this award fills us with immense pride. It’s a powerful testament to the strength, determination and achievements of our students and the wonderful staff who support them.

“We understand how daunting it can be to return to education as an adult. It is a privilege to witness the life changing impact on our learners who show great courage, commitment and perseverance in overcoming significant obstacles and who inspire us every day.”

Based at Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley, Northern College is the only adult residential college in the North of England and provides short community courses as well as academic and vocational qualifications. 

Students can study residentially or non-residentially. The starting point for many learners is the short community courses, which provide a stepping-stone to gain the confidence to progress to the next level qualification.

Some classes are taught during the evenings and weekends to fit around learners’ other commitments. The college is also growing its online course offer.

Most students are from South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. The college receives funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

A significant proportion of learners overcome barriers to develop their skills and confidence and progress to further or higher education or employment after their studies.

During the last academic year 2023/24, 78% of learners were unemployed when they joined the college and 56% had no qualifications above Level 1.

However, 90% of learners progressed to a positive destination in 2023/24 such as continuing in education, starting paid employment, becoming self-employed or doing voluntary work.