About Carlisle College

Carlisle College is a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring further education college, serving the post-16 education and training needs of Carlisle and the surrounding area since 1954. Every year, it helps more than 2,700 students take their next steps towards their future and works closely with over 350 employers and 700 apprentices as it works towards achieving its vision of empowering learners and businesses through excellence and innovation to support local and regional prosperity.

Carlisle College impact

£30m

city-centre campus

2,500+

learners

350

employer partners

Partnerships with employers

Supporting Local Businesses

Carlisle College currently works with more than 700 apprentices across 350 local leading businesses.

It provides students with the best facilities that reflect those found in industry, combined with teaching staff who are experts in their fields and have real life industry experience, allowing students to realise their career ambitions and make a valuable contribution within the workforce of the College's Employer Partners.

Persimmon

British housebuilding company, Persimmon sponsor the student and apprenticeship awards at Carlisle College. They also take on a large number of apprentices every year, provide industry experiences for other students at the college, and regularly get involved with community projects such as "Give a Day to Carlisle" with their apprentices.

Responding to local employer needs

HGV Technician Apprenticeship returns

The well publicised shortage of HGV Drivers has contributed to an ever-going national shortage of HGV Technicians – a profession key to both the UK supply chain & economy and many businesses in Cumbria.

Read the full story
HGV

News from Carlisle College

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01228 822 700

Carlisle College Principalship Team

Simon Ross Photo October 2022

Simon Ross

Principal, Carlisle College

Simon joined the senior team at Newcastle Sixth Form College in 2016 and has undertaken a number of roles during his time here at NCG. He is also Trustee of the Santander UK Foundation.

Jack Redpath Carlisle College

Jack Redpath

Assistant Principal, Carlisle College

Jack has more than 13 years of experience in further education, beginning his career as a Sports and Exercise Science lecturer before progressing into programme leadership. Jack then moved into Music and Performing Arts as a Curriculum Leader and led the provision at Newcastle College as Head of Department, before his appointment as Assistant Principal of Carlisle College in 2024.

Suzy Willings

Suzy Willings

Assistant Principal, Carlisle College

Suzy joined Carlisle College as an Assistant Principal in 2024, having led the business provision at Newcastle College for the past 4 years as Head of Curriculum. After beginning her career as a business teacher within Secondary Schools, Suzy moved into Further Education in 2009. In 2014 Suzy joined Newcastle College, also part of NCG, as Programme Leader before progressing to Curriculum Lead in 2017. Suzy is passionate about working with young people to improve experience, outcomes and opportunities, and brings more than 20 years of education experience to Carlisle College. Prior to embarking on a career in education, Suzy gained a wealth of experience in the business sector, working as a business analyst in a variety of industries.

Lee Todd

Lee Todd

Assistant Principal, Carlisle College

Lee is a proud Cumbrian, originally from Whitehaven. After spending 18 years working across the UK as a Carpenter & Joiner, he transitioned into education in 2009, becoming a Lecturer in Carpentry and Joinery. His experience working with apprentices on site inspired a strong passion for developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, prompting his move from industry into teaching. Lee went on to progress into the role of Head of Construction at Lakes College before joining Carlisle College as Assistant Principal in 2025.