Land Based Industries & Animal Management
The North East farming industry employs over 10,000 people. Our Kirkley Hall Campus is ideally situated to support employers from agriculture, horticulture and vets, to floristry and equine.
Northumberland College boasts extensive industry standard facilities including two working farms, an equine centre of excellence, an animal management centre, a teaching zoo as well as skilled teaching staff to support this diverse sector.
What do we offer?
Agriculture
Animal Management
Equine
Floristry
Horticulture
Veterinary Nursing
Our facilities
Zoological gardens
Our impressive Zoological Gardens contain over 200 species of animals including exotics, reptiles and birds. We are one of only a few colleges in the UK to gain full membership of the BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
Farms
Our impressive land-based facilities including two working farms. One is on-site at Kirkley Hall and the other is located at Carlcroft in the Cheviot Hills, which provides upland experience. We also have tractor and arboriculture machinery workshops with a range of farm machinery and equipment.
Equine Centre
Our bespoke equine centre is a centre of excellence for equine education. It includes a large indoor arena with viewing gallery and a new education hub to support the delivery of equine management skills, such as farriery, dentistry and physiotherapy.
Dog grooming parlour and kennels
Our commercial dog parlour includes a grooming salon with a designated washing area, non-slip floors and extensive floor space. We also have safe and secure kennels for our four-legged friends.
Animal Management
Our animal management facilities include teaching spaces and animal enclosures. Two new learning spaces will be created, the zoo’s collection of animals will be expanded and a state-of-the-art zoo kitchen will be developed to support in delivering core competencies in animal husbandry.
Walled garden
The beautiful grounds of Kirkley Hall has a stunning 9-acre garden with terraces and a Victorian walled garden. The garden includes an extensive collection of unusual trees, shrubs, herbaceous and ornamental borders.
Work with us
College updates
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New Principal announced for Northumberland College
May 23, 2022
Following a rigorous selection process, the board of governors has announced Gary Potts as the new Principal of Northumberland College
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Education Partnership North East publishes gender pay gap report
May 12, 2022
Education Partnership North East (EPNE) has announced its gender pay gap results for 2021 which is significantly below the national average.
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Sunderland College welcomes Exchequer Secretary
May 3, 2022
Helen Whately MP visited Sunderland College to find out how significant investment in facilities has revolutionised skills and education training