Who we are

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is a dynamic partnership between Sunderland College, Hartlepool Sixth Form and Northumberland College.

We believe that culture and quality are equally important and as such place a high value on living and breathing our professional values. We constantly striving to ensure that we are consistently authentic, respectful, innovative and ambitious for our students, people and partners.

Our people come to work every day to make a positive difference to our community of students. We are passionate about positively contributing to the social, economic and educational outcomes of our region.

Following the merger with Hartlepool Sixth Form and Northumberland College, we are now one of the largest college groups in the country. Our campuses span across Northumberland, Sunderland and Hartlepool; with a catchment area from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Tees Valley. Whilst we are working hard to create a one-college approach, each one of our colleges will remain strongly connected to the communities that they serve.

In October 2024, we were rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, marking a significant milestone in our remarkable journey.

Our sector specialisms align to the key needs of the labour market and are embedded both in our pioneering curriculum development and our investment in world-class facilities that equip our students with the relevant skills for industry. Our courses are delivered by experienced and dedicated staff and we have some of the best training facilities in the North East for students and employers.

We specialise in the following industries:

Animal management & land based

Business & Professional Services

Health & Care

Construction

Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing

Digital industries

Our awards and recognition

Highly Commended - Employer of the Year, Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards 2019

BTEC College of the year, Pearson 2019

Engagement with Employers - Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award 2017

Selected by DfE for 2021 T Level pilot to deliver the new high-quality technical qualifications

98% overall employer satisfaction - Employer Survey 2018/19

Sunderland College named as the best overall college in the North East, 2019 NICDEX league table published by FE Week.

Our offer

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Shape our curriculum

Help us to deliver a career-focused curriculum to produce young people and adults with the skills, knowledge and qualities that employers require by contributing to the design of our high-quality programmes.

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A strategic approach

We have established strong collaborative partnerships with employers and the local community to combine our expertise for mutually benefit and to contribute positively to the city and region.