Who we are
We are Education Partnership North East, a dynamic college group comprising of Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College.
We believe that culture and quality are equally important and as such, place a high value on embodying our values - Courage, Authenticity, Respect and Excellence. We constantly strive 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 College 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 awards and recognition
Joint top performing college group in the North East for student achievement
NARTs 2024-25, 16-18 student achievement
We have a student achievement rate of 90%
NARTs 2024-25, 16-18 student achievement
We have been named a SEND National Centre of Excellence
Designated by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF)
95% of our students progressed to employment, higher education or further study
EPNE Progression Data, all students, 2024-25
Our Changemaking Curriculum
At the heart of our curriculum is a commitment to creating agile, future-ready education that meets the evolving needs of learners, employers and society.
Rooted in real-world relevance, our sector specialisms respond directly to the shifting demands of the labour market. These are not only embedded in the design of our pioneering curriculum, but also reflected in our sustained investment in state-of-the-art facilities that prepare our students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be changemakers in their industry.
Our Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and exciting new Strategic Vision are rooted in a fundamental belief that together, we can make a positive difference and build better futures for a changing world.
It depicts where our college group aims to be in the future, and what we will be known for when we get there.
College updates
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Rob Lawson OBE returns to chair Education Partnership North East
EPNE has announced the appointment of Rob Lawson OBE as its new Chair of Governors, marking a return to the college group.
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Building Leadership Capability Across the North East
Supporting employers across the North East to develop confident and effective leaders at every level.
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EPNE appoints Executive Principal for Regional Skills strengthening No...
EPNE has appointed Iain Nixon as Group Executive Principal to strengthen the college group’s role in North East economic growth.