Cambian Dilston College, Corbridge

Special

Special post 16 institution

Mixed

Ages 16–25

College / FE residential accommodation

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

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Key Information

DfE GIAS

Head:Mrs Marie Flatman

LA:Northumberland

Phone:01434632692

Website:cambiangroup.com/specialist-education/our-colleges/cambian-dilston-college

Address:Dilston Hall, Corbridge, NE45 5RJ

Area:Schools in NE45

Admissions:Not applicable

Status:open

Opened:16 June 2006

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 1 year ago

Overall

Good

Quality of Education

Good

Behaviour & Attitudes

Good

Personal Development

Good

Leadership & Management

Inspected 9 June 2025View full report

URN:131868

UKPRN:10012822

Diocese:Not applicable

Constituency:Hexham

Urban/Rural:Smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

The college excels at helping students with complex needs build confidence and develop real workplace skills through carefully planned work placements. Teachers use creative teaching methods like role play for job interviews and hands-on practical learning. The college works excellently with parents, carers and local authorities to support each student's individual goals and progression to employment, voluntary work or supported accommodation.

Key Strengths

Students develop high confidence and self-esteem in a supportive, inclusive environment where staff foster a strong sense of belonging
Work placements are carefully selected and progressively build students' social, communication and workplace skills
Teachers use a wide range of effective teaching methods including demonstrations, role play and gradually reducing support to build independence
Leaders have taken decisive action since the last inspection to improve education quality through staff training, new resources and closer monitoring
Strong partnerships with local authorities, social workers and parents ensure the college meets individual student needs

Areas for Improvement

Teachers need to allow students more time to process questions before intervening
Staff should avoid providing support too early when students are capable of completing tasks independently
Assessment methods should be used consistently across all teaching to check students' understanding

Safeguarding

Safeguarding arrangements are effective with students feeling safe due to high staff support and clear knowledge of how to report concerns.

Extracurricular Activities

Duke of Edinburgh awards, entrepreneurship projects, first aid, football, sensory activities, community activities

Cambian Dilston College is an independent specialist college in Northumberland providing education for young people aged 16-25 with special educational needs and disabilities. The college has improved significantly since its last inspection and now provides good quality education with strong support for students' progression to employment and independent living.