Northumberland College recognised in national SEND inclusion case study
Northumberland College has been recognised for championing inclusion and improving outcomes for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Education Partnership North East (EPNE), which includes Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form Colleges, has been featured in an Education and Training Foundation (ETF) national case study highlighting its growing contribution to improving SEND practice across the further education sector.
The case study focuses on organisation's journey from taking part in a SEND peer review to becoming one of ETF's national Centres for Excellence in SEND, and how its engagement with the programme has been transformational, helping strengthen its provision while supporting other colleges to create more inclusive learning environments.
EPNE was named a national Centre for Excellence in SEND in 2025 following a rigorous national selection process.
Leading on the theme of 'People', the college group was chosen to help drive inclusive cultures across further education and support leaders, managers and practitioners to ensure learners with SEND thrive and achieve their full potential.
Through the programme, EPNE designs and delivers continuous professional development for colleges and training providers across England, facilitates national Communities of Practice, and leads peer reviews that encourage organisations to share best practice and strengthen SEND provision.
A key focus of its work is helping providers build inclusive, people-centred cultures while improving outcomes for young people with SEND.
Lee Lister, EPNE’s SEND Lead, said: "Two years ago, we applied to ETF for a peer review. It was an incredibly useful experience and, whilst we knew we had a good SEND provision, it highlighted lots of additional practice that we could have been doing and should consider.”