Don’t let the word ‘new’ in our name fool you, we have 100 years of educational history behind us.
Women only
When Neville’s Cross College opened in 1921 it offered teacher training for women only. It was not until 1963 when the first male students were admitted. The college continued to specialise in education with courses up to degree level. Throughout the early part of its history, Neville’s Cross College had close links with the University of Durham.
Technical training
Durham Technical College opened in 1957 with the aim of providing education and training to support the mining industry. Initially, it offered courses in engineering and construction. A wider range of subjects soon followed, responding to the needs of business and the wider community.
The birth of NCD
In September 1977, the Neville’s Cross College and Durham Technical College merged to form New College Durham. The Neville’s Cross site became the base for a wide range of vocational higher education courses, including teacher education. The technical college site at Framwellgate Moor developed as a further education centre, offering vocational and academic courses to students aged 16 and over.
Growing up
The college continued to grow and soon became the largest further education college in County Durham. When it became apparent that the buildings and facilities on both sites needed major refurbishment and repairs, the College Board of Governors decided the best way forward was to develop a single campus on the Framwellgate Moor site. In September 2005, the college was located on one campus for the first time in its history. A dedicated higher education building and a sports and music block were added alongside the main building.
Moving forward
The college continues to go from strength to strength. Our latest addition was the purpose built Institute of Technology centre which is home to the North East Institute of Technology. By constantly growing and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of education, New College Durham will continue to provide high quality further and higher education for the next 100 years.
