Northumberland College praised for VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Veterinary Nursing in ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report
We are so proud to share that VetSkill approved centre Northumberland College has received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted!
Northumberland College has been an approved VetSkill centre since 2020, delivering our Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal), along with Level 2 Certificate for Veterinary Receptionists, Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support and Level 2 Diploma in Patient Care Assistance.
In Autumn 2024, the college received an inspection from Ofsted, in which the delivery of the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing was highlighted for its success rates and “remarkable progress”.
The top performing college in the North East for student achievement, Northumberland specialises in land-based education, training and apprenticeships across its three campuses, including Kirkley Hall Campus, where the college’s brand-new veterinary centre is located.
Learners on the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal) train full time in the centre’s newly designed operating theatre and consultation rooms, with access to state-of-the-art amenities as they commence their professional journeys.
Lee Lister, Campus Principal at Kirkley Hall, said:
"VetSkill and Northumberland College have always worked collaboratively and respectfully with each other, in line with the values of both organisations.
"When Ofsted visited Kirkley Hall in October 2025, Veterinary Nursing was selected as one of the deep dive areas in our Apprenticeship offer, and we were delighted to show them the remarkable progress of our Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing provision, which has consistently high pass rates and improved retention.
"Our working relationship, the EQA process and support offered from VetSkill, as well as the hard work of the team at Kirkley Hall, shone through during the Ofsted visit, and we received an Outstanding rating as part of the wider inspection. This is testament to the success of the partnership and work undertaken to constantly improve the provision”.
The VetSkill Quality Assurance Team, adds:
“We have seen first-hand the dedication of the Northumberland team who are always extremely supportive of their learners. This Ofsted report is a reflection of the impact they make on a daily basis.
“Having worked closely in collaboration with the Northumberland veterinary nursing team on their progressive journey, we are delighted to have been able to contribute to this fantastic outcome. The passion and commitment of the team at Kirkley Hall to future generations of veterinary nurses is inspiring”.
Huge congratulations to the team at Northumberland College. We are honoured to have been able to play a small part in this significant achievement.
For further information on becoming an approved VetSkill centre, please visit: Become a Centre — VetSkill. Kiera from the VetSkill Quality Assurance Team will be in contact to arrange an initial meeting to discuss the process and provide support and guidance throughout.