Northumberland Skills celebrating after "Good" OFSTED rating
04 Mar 2025
Northumberland Skills is celebrating after being officially rated as a ‘Good’ provider by Ofsted, following a rigorous inspection process.
The report highlights high-quality teaching, strong employer partnerships and effective leadership as key strengths, reinforcing Northumberland Skills’ position as a leading provider of education and training in the region.
Northumberland Skills, the post-16 further education and skills provider delivering on behalf of Northumberland County Council, has received a ‘Good’ rating across all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection (January 2025).
The report emphasises many areas of excellence, including strong employer partnerships, high-quality careers guidance and a structured approach that ensures learners gain the skills, behaviours and attitudes that employers are looking for.
Councillor Guy Renner Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People, said: “This is fantastic news. This strong Ofsted rating reflects Northumberland Skills’ commitment to excellence in education and training.
“With its industry-focused approach, dedicated staff and ongoing improvements, this rating reinforces the critical role Northumberland Skills plays in shaping the future workforce of our region.”
The Ofsted inspection marks a significant milestone for Northumberland Skills, reflecting three years of continuous improvement, major investment and dedication to delivering outstanding opportunities for learners.
The report commends the provider’s commitment to supporting learners at different stages of their career journeys, helping them to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to progress into employment or further and education.
The report highlights Northumberland Skills' clear strategic intent to address local skills shortages and support residents in the county’s most disadvantaged areas to thrive across a variety of careers. Leaders have developed well-resourced, industry-standard training centres, such as the Energy Central Learning Hub and the Welding and Fabrication Training Centre in Blyth, ensuring that learners gain the skills employers need for advanced manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.
The strong employer relationships established by Northumberland Skills are another key strength. Leading construction firms provide high-quality materials and industrial demonstrations, ensuring learners develop skills that meet commercial industry standards. This approach has been particularly successful in courses such as basic plastering, engineering, welding and fabrication, and construction – delivered at their Seghill campus – where learners gain hands-on experience with real-world applications.
Another area receiving high praise from inspectors was the support for learners with additional needs, delivered at the Lindisfarne Centre, Northumberland Skills’ Alnwick Campus. Specialist support for learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) includes tailored equipment, targeted interventions and structured progress reviews every six weeks. As a result, learners with high needs make significant progress and develop essential life and employability skills, including through volunteering opportunities across the region.
Michael Burton, Head of Skills and Employability at Northumberland Skills, expressed his pride in the achievement: “We are incredibly proud to share this recognition from Ofsted, which reflects the hard work and commitment of our team over the last three years.
“The continuous improvements we have made have resulted in stronger outcomes for learners and an even greater impact on the local workforce. I’d like to personally thank our dedicated lecturers and support staff, whose passion and expertise have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.”
Audrey Kingham, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Education at Northumberland County Council, also welcomed the news: “This report is a fantastic endorsement of the excellent teaching, pastoral support and career guidance that Northumberland Skills provides.
“The inspectors have rightly acknowledged the admirable work being done to open up opportunities in emerging sectors such as advanced manufacturing and renewable engineering, while also addressing crucial skills gaps in trades like electrical installations and construction.”
Go here to read the full Ofsted report and to explore the range of opportunities to upskill and reskill with Northumberland Skills, visit www.northumberlandskills.co.uk