Darlington College

Go the distance by learning your way. 💻

Our free* online distance learning courses let you study flexibly around work, family and everyday life, helping you gain new skills wherever and whenever it suits you.

Choose from a wide range of Level 1 and Level 2 courses, including:
✔ Cyber Security
✔ Data Analysis
✔ Digital Marketing
✔ Understanding Coding
✔ Team Leading
✔ Business Start-Up
✔ Counselling Skills
✔ Information, Advice or Guidance
✔ Customer Service
✔ Retail Operations
✔ Autism & SEND
✔ Children and Young People's Mental Health
✔ Dementia Care
✔ Infection Prevention & Control
✔ Lean Organisation Management Techniques
..and many more.

Whether you're looking to develop new skills, change careers, enhance your CV or simply learn something new, there's a course to help you take the next step.

Find out more: https://darlington.ac.uk/courses/distance-learning-courses/

*Terms and conditions apply.

Looking to Learn It from Those Who’ve Lived It? 👗✨

Meet Kelly Ewing, Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles, pictured welcoming a new student during Enrolment today.

And when we say our students learn from industry experience, we mean it...

“With 20 years in the fashion industry, I’ve had an exciting career that has taken me all over the world.

“For 15 years, I ran my own successful fashion label, stocked in more than 200 boutiques across the UK. I’ve designed for celebrities, had my designs purchased by Lady Gaga, worked behind the scenes on The X Factor and created pieces for Little Mix, who wore my designs when they won the show.

“I’ve also shown at London Fashion Week and picked up various awards throughout my career, giving me a wealth of experience across the fashion industry.

“More recently, I’ve taken that experience in a different direction by focusing on education. After two decades in fashion, I’m passionate about passing on the knowledge, skills and experience I’ve gained.

“For me, it’s not just about designing clothes. It’s about inspiring others, sharing the realities of the fashion industry and helping the next generation of designers develop their skills, confidence and creative voice.”

Want to learn from people who’ve lived the industry?
Find out about our Level 2 and Level 3 Fashion courses: darlington.ac.uk

Train to teach with confidence.

We're proud to deliver our CertEd and PGCE teacher training programmes in partnership with Teesside University.

In its latest inspection, Ofsted recognised the partnership's:

✔ Well-qualified and experienced teacher educators
✔ Ambitious, well-structured curriculum
✔ Strong support for trainee teachers
✔ Preparation for the realities of teaching
✔ Focus on developing knowledgeable, reflective teaching professionals

If you're ready to inspire others and take the next step in your teaching career, discover our CertEd and PGCE programmes today.

Find out more about our CertEd and PGCE courses: https://darlington.ac.uk/courses/teacher-training/

New HNC Courses at Darlington College!

Starting this September:
⚙️ HNC Mechatronics Engineering*
⚙️ HNC Manufacturing Engineering*
⚙️ HNC Mechanical Engineering
⚡ HNC Electrical Engineering
🏗️ HNC Building Studies
⚙️ HND Mechanical Engineering

Ready to take the next step?
Apply now:
darlington.ac.uk/courses/engineering/

Want to find out more?
📞 07913 982823
📧 Programme Lead, Hannah Dennis: [email protected]

*Subject to final approval.

MORE GCSE RESULTS SUCCESS! 🎉
The celebrations continue at Darlington College, with another fantastic set of GCSE English and maths results! 👏

🌟 Dylan Watson – Grade 5, GCSE English
His tutor summed it up perfectly: “Dylan went to learn Thai boxing in Thailand and came back to smash his English exam.” 🥊
🌟 Lilly Garbutt – Grade 7, GCSE English AND Grade 5, GCSE Maths
Lilly is now aiming to make an incredible leap from Level 1 Engineering to Level 3 Engineering. 🙌
🌟 Eva Southwick – Grade 4, GCSE English
Eva will now progress into the second year of her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies (Mechanical).
🌟 Lacey Stockdale – Grade 6, GCSE English
🌟 Wyatt Shaw – Grade 4
Wyatt is aiming to progress from Level 2 to Level 3 Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.

And finally, a result that deserves a special mention...
🌟 Tristan Hickman – from a Grade 3 to an incredible Grade 6!
Tristan’s achievement is about much more than a grade. During his time with us, he has overcome challenges, kept going when things were difficult and shown just how far hard work, determination and belief in yourself can take you.

His journey is a brilliant reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you can finish. 💙💚

Huge congratulations to them all!

GCSE RESULTS ARE IN! 🎉

A huge congratulations to our students collecting their GCSE English and maths results today! 👏

🌟 Angela Savory – Grade 6, GCSE English
🌟 Cameron Shepperson – Grade 6, GCSE English
🌟 Sophie Gilchrist – Grade 6, GCSE English AND Grade 5, GCSE Maths
🌟 Ewin Kacis – Grade 4, GCSE Maths
🌟 Lillyannah Slater – Grade 4, GCSE Maths
🌟 Kameron Campbell – Grade 4, GCSE Maths

There are some exciting next steps too! Ewin is aiming to progress from Level 2 to Level 3 Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, while Lillyannah is heading into the second year of her Level 3 Criminology, Policing and Law course. 🙌

And a special shout-out to Angela, who achieved her Grade 6 in GCSE English as an adult learner studying with us on an evening course. 💙💚

Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today – we hope all that hard work has paid off!

Outdoor just got BIGGER! 🌲🧗🚣

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career with our Level 3 Outdoor Activity Leadership study programme at Darlington College.

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead others while exploring some of the North East's best outdoor environments.

🏔️ Kayaking & canoeing
🧭 Navigation
🚵 Mountain biking
🧗 Rock climbing
🎓 Industry-recognised qualifications

Alongside practical training, you'll gain the scientific and technical knowledge needed to progress into coaching, leadership, higher education or employment in the outdoor industry.

Many of our students have gone on to work with leading organisations including PGL and Plas Y Brenin, while others have progressed to university or our own Foundation Degree in Outdoor Leadership.

No previous outdoor qualifications are required, although some experience is beneficial. Full training is provided, and you'll have the opportunity to gain additional National Governing Body qualifications throughout the programme.
Ready for your next adventure?

👉 Apply now: https://darlington.ac.uk/course/179505/ncfe-l3-cert-in-sport---physical-activity--outdoor--y1/

Best of luck to everyone in our college community – and to all those getting ready to join us – with your GCSE results tomorrow! 🎉

New student? Keep an eye on your emails for your enrolment code, ready to use when you enrol tomorrow (Thursday 20 August).

Returning student? We’ll see you on Friday! 👋

Check out the full enrolment schedule:
https://darlington.ac.uk/courses/open-event-dates/enrolment/

Open up a new way to communicate. Learn British Sign Language (BSL).

We're delighted to be working in partnership with the Deaf Empowering Network (DEN) to launch a Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, starting this October.

✅ Learn from qualified Deaf tutors, bringing authentic language, culture and lived experience to every session.
✅ Achieve a recognised Level 1 BSL qualification.
✅ Build the skills and confidence to communicate in everyday situations.
✅ Learn in a fun, supportive and engaging environment.
✅ Develop a greater understanding of Deaf culture and connect with the Deaf community.

📅 Starting October 2026 🕕 One evening per week ⏰ 2-hour sessions 📍 Darlington College

Whether you're learning for work, personal development, or to communicate with friends, family, learners or customers, this course is the perfect introduction to British Sign Language.

Register your interest today and be among the first to receive full course details.
📧 [email protected] 📞 01325 503042

Looking to switch careers or develop professionally? 📈

A career in procurement and supply could be your next step.

The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations is a nationally recognised professional qualification designed for those looking to begin a career in procurement or develop the skills needed to progress into operational procurement and supply chain roles.

Whether you're changing careers or building on existing business experience, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to work towards a rewarding profession across a wide range of industries.

✅ Professionally recognised CIPS qualification
✅ Daytime and evening study options
✅ Progression to CIPS Level 4 at Darlington College
✅ Five units, each assessed by a CIPS multiple-choice test

Funding may be available through local authority Adult Learning funding for eligible learners, making this an excellent opportunity to gain a respected professional qualification.

Suitable for:
• Those looking to start a career in procurement and supply
• Procurement Assistants or Administrators looking to progress
• Professionals wishing to specialise in procurement

📧 To find out more or discuss funding, contact [email protected]
Find out more about the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations:
https://darlington.ac.uk/course/180773/cips-l3-adv-cert-procurement---supply-operations--evening-/

Interested in CIPS Level 2? Please email [email protected] for more information.