Re-opening of Newton Rigg’s equestrian centre is pivotal moment for Cumbria

Newton Rigg Ltd are delighted to announce the re-opening of the equestrian facilities at Newton Rigg, thanks to the support and collaboration of the site’s new owners.

Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events - part of community organisation Newton Rigg Ltd - will provide training courses and facility hire for events from showjumping and dressage to mounted archery.

Newton Rigg Ltd say that this is a historic first step in the rejuvenation of activity and education at the Newton Rigg site, thanks to the generous support of the site’s new owners who share their commitment to re-building land-based education in Cumbria. Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events will not only enable the continued use of the sites outstanding facilities, but provide revenue to underpin wider educational plans. The business will operate alongside NR Training - also part of Newton Rigg Ltd - which launched last year to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria.

Professor Andy Cobb, Chairman of Newton Rigg Ltd, said “The re-opening of Newton Rigg’s fantastic equine facilities marks a pivotal moment for Cumbria. We are holding very exciting discussions about re-opening of other parts of the site for education, and believe that this step will be the first of many as our rural community works together to restore the educational provision at Newton Rigg for Cumbria and beyond.”

Newton Rigg Ltd Director Andrew Counsell, a previous Head of Equine Studies and Land-Based College Principal, has spearheaded the development of Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events along with a highly experienced and passionate management team.

Andrew said, "Newton Rigg’s equestrian facilities are exceptional, and we are very proud to see them re-opened, in such a way that will support and underpin our wider ambitions for land-based education in Cumbria and at Newton Rigg. We are very fortunate to have such an experienced and passionate team driving the equestrian offer and the business is already gathering pace at incredible speed with the first bookings and events taking place from 14th February.”

Managing the services on offer at Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events, on behalf of Newton Rigg Ltd, is Debbie Wicks (nee Cowdery) who combines her experience as an equestrian competitor of over 40 years, her passion for business development, sales & marketing and, as an Eden Councillor, her focus on the people and communities of Cumbria.

Debbie said, “I am thrilled to be able to help develop the Equestrian facilities back at Newton Rigg, and am happy to speak with anyone wishing to hire the facilities - or partner with us to provide sponsorship, advertising and equipment on site. Our aim is to provide a top class facility - and we have the team to do that. The response to date, on our social media, has been phenomenal!”

Having undergone major improvements between 2014-2015, Newton Rigg’s equestrian centre provided top class facilities for both events and education. The centre offers a large outdoor school and modern stabling, as well as an indoor school with large seated viewing gallery and arena fit for competitions and events at national level. The Equestrian centre had been out of use since Newton Rigg College was closed by previous owners Askham Bryan College. Since, Newton Rigg Ltd has been campaigning to retain use of the site and facilities for education, while also working to rebuild land-based education by offering a growing range of courses as NR Training.

A new website is in the pipeline for Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events, but the team are already taking bookings via Facebook and directly. To enquire, email events@newtonriggequestrian.co.uk. Bookings can also be made via a booking portal on the Newton Rigg Equestrian Training and Events Facebook page.

Horticultural courses begin at Lowther

NR Training made history this week as the NR Training School of Horticulture welcomed its first students to begin study at Lowther Castle & Gardens.

Both the Certificate and Diploma in Practical Horticulture courses have begun! This is the first step as we rebuild land-based education in Cumbria, and there is so much more to come.

Visit the NR Training website to find out more about the NR Training School of Horticulture at Lowther Castle & Gardens.

High Sheriff officiates official opening of the NR Training School of Horticulture at Lowther Castle & Gardens

“Today we are seeing a new entity emerging with a bright new future” (David Beeby, The High Sheriff of Cumbria)

There was excitement on Friday 3rd of September as the official opening of NR Training’s School of Horticulture took place at Lowther Castle & Gardens, where new courses in horticulture and garden design will be delivered - starting this month.

A crowd gathered to celebrate the opening which was officiated by David Beeby, The High Sheriff of Cumbria, whose partner has recently enrolled on one of NR Training’s new horticulture courses at Lowther.

In his address, the High Sheriff celebrated that “We are starting to see the Phoenix rise from the ashes of Newton Rigg College. Newton Rigg College was first established in 1896. Today we are seeing a new entity emerging with a bright new future.”

The High Sheriff thanked the directors of Newton Rigg Ltd for their huge efforts in creating the new future, as well as Andrew Counsell and Dr Jane Sullivan, the “driving forces behind NR Training”. He also thanked the NR Training School of Horticulture team - Shelagh Todd (Head of Horticulture) and tutors Louise Stoddart, Lyn Brunette and Jay Barker for their work in establishing the new range of courses in Horticulture and Garden Design.

Newton Rigg Ltd launch ‘NR Training’ to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria with first new courses announced for September start

Community organisation Newton Rigg Ltd, who vowed to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria following the controversial closure of Newton Rigg College, have today launched ‘NR Training' - a new land-based training provider set to deliver a growing range of courses from September this year.

Pivotal to the launch is an exciting collaboration with Lowther Estate that will see the expert-led NR Training School of Horticulture begin running courses in the inspiring surroundings of Lowther Castle and Gardens this September. A new course in Advanced Dairy Management is also now accepting applications as the first of numerous courses planned as part of NR Training’s Rural Business School vision.

Alongside their ongoing campaign to preserve use of Newton Rigg’s campus and Sewborwens Farm for education and training, Newton Rigg Ltd say the move is the first step towards a bright and sustainable future for land-based education in Cumbria and new fully incorporated college.

Dr Jane Sullivan (educational consultant and Director of Newton Rigg College 2015-18) has played a key role in NR Training’s development along with Newton Rigg Ltd Director Andrew Counsell (former principal of Duchy College, Vice Chair of Landex).

Dr Sullivan said, “The NR Training initiative has been in development for some time and we are now delighted to offer our first courses starting this September in Horticulture and Advanced Dairy Management.

“Thanks to a fantastic collaboration with Lowther Estate the NR Training School of Horticulture is able to offer adult education in horticulture and garden design in the inspiring surroundings of Lowther Castle and Gardens, starting this September. In addition, NR Training’s Advanced Dairy Management course is now open for applications and is the first of a number courses planned to launch over coming months as part of our wider Rural Business School vision.”

David Bliss, CEO Lowther Estate, said “We are delighted to support NR Training and offer our estate to train the next generation of horticulturalists as part of this important drive to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria. Lowther Castle and Garden Trust, in collaboration with Ernest Cook Trust, already offer learning opportunities on its estate and we are excited to be able to extend this further”

“With 130 acres of gardens, each unique in its own right, the estate is truly inspiring and as part of the learning opportunities, students will help to maintain and create the gardens of this historic landmark and be part of the 20-year masterplan to restore them.”

General Manager of Lowther Castle and Gardens and Head Gardener, Martin Ogle said “I trained at Newton Rigg College, as did most of my team, so it is fitting that we now collaborate together to secure a future for horticulture education in Cumbria, whilst continuing our long-term efforts to reimagine the gardens at Lowther Castle”.

The team behind the NR Training School of Horticulture are familiar faces in Cumbria and have an established record of delivering high quality courses leading to employment in the horticultural industry. With over 100 years of experience between them, the team, led by Shelagh Todd, formery Head of Horticulture, Forestry and Floristry at Newton Rigg Campus, are ready to utilise the extensive gardens at Lowther to teach their students up to date skills in practical horticulture and garden design.

NR Training is a trading name of Newton Rigg Ltd, a local, independent organisation formed to protect the future of specialist land-based education in Cumbria for the benefit of generations to come. Led by Andrew Counsell, a director of NR Ltd and former principal of Duchy College, and Dr Jane Sullivan, former Director of Newton Rigg Campus and education consultant, NR Training is the first step of Newton Rigg Ltd’s plan to bring back a dedicated land-based college to the county.

Newton Rigg Ltd says Cumbria’s local and busines community has really come together in the fight to preserve Newton Rigg and to rebuild land-based education in the county. The organisation has received support from numerous donors and major employers including Westmorland Ltd and the Carr’s Group.

Newton Rigg Ltd Director Chris Crewdson said, “With the launch of NR Training we are on the path to a sustainable solution for Cumbria and we are so grateful to the individuals and organisations who have supported us financially and with their advice and expertise. This is a community effort and we believe our county will look back with pride in future. We hope that any others who want to be part of this drive to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria will get in touch to offer their support or donate via our GoFundMe crowdfunding page – all help is welcome to accelerate our growth at this pivotal time.

For more information or to contact the NR Training team or apply for courses, visit www.nrtraining.co.uk

Low Beckside Farm preserved for education by Ernest Cook Trust

We were very pleased to hear that the Ernest Cook Trust have been successful in their bid to purchase Newton Rigg's Low Beckside Farm, which, as the National Centre for the Uplands, has a key role to play in the future of farming and upland management. The Ernest Cook Trust already has a valuable presence in Cumbria with the Learning from the Land programme at Lowther Castle and Gardens. Their charitable aims align with those of Newton Rigg Ltd and we hope to work closely with them to support the continued use of Low Beckside for education and skills development.

This is a positive step in the movement to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria, which comes as we are in the process of launching our training initiative, starting with high quality, expert-led courses in Horticulture and Advanced Dairy Management and with many more opportunities in the pipeline. More news coming very soon!

We remain optimistic that our community-led ambition to continue land-based education at the Newton Rigg site and Sewborwens Farm will prevail and look forward to sharing more news in the coming weeks.

Read about the Ernest Cook Trust and Low Beckside Farm >

Pressure mounting on Government over 'Newton Rigg College scandal’ as Cumbrian peers vent anger in the House of Lords

“I know a scandal when I see one” -  Lord Inglewood pled for action on the Newton Rigg scandal in the House of Lords.

Three Cumbrian peers have vented their county’s anger in the House of Lords regarding the Government’s failure to prevent The Lake District and Cumbria’s only agricultural and land-based college from being closed and ‘asset-stripped’ by its York-based owner Askham Bryan College, after a Government 'policy mistake' left the campus and its historic educational farms (including the National Centre of the Uplands) unprotected when transferred to Askham Bryan's ownership in 2011, despite Ministers being fully aware of the risks at the time. 

Lord Inglewood, Chair of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and a former student at Newton Rigg, called the situation ‘a real scandal’ on a par with the case of The Kids Company. He pled Government not to ‘emulate Pontius Pilate and stand by wringing its hands’ but to ’take a grip’, and called on the media to go out, investigate and ’tell truth to power’.

"This FE college is part of the nation’s system for delivering education and training, and the Government are the college’s principal regulator and guardian of the public interest. Their prime concern must be the integrity of the system and proper administration of the provision of FE, skills and training to everybody in this country, not just to those in Yorkshire. They should not emulate Pontius Pilate and weakly stand by wringing their hands. Take a grip" said Lord Inglewood.

Lord Inglewood’s speech followed powerful speeches from Lord Campbell-Savours and Lord Clark of Windermere in the House of Lords on Wed 12th May who asked Government to embrace a locally-led plan to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria and protect Newton Rigg’s assets for educational use. 

What is the ‘Newton Rigg scandal’?

Cumbrian communities, local businesses, MPs and campaigners have been fighting to save Newton Rigg since Askham Bryan College announced in May 2020 its decision to close and sell the historic campus, land and farms – which it acquired for nothing from the University of Cumbria in 2011; a decision that would leave Cumbria without its own specialist agricultural and land-based educational provision for the first time in over 125 years. 

Newton Rigg Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation led by experts in land-based and further education and backed by major Cumbrian employers, was formed to bid for Newton Rigg  in a Government-led Strategic Review of options for the site, but the bid was rejected. Newton Rigg Ltd has since laid out an urgent action plan to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria beginning with industry-led training and apprenticeships, while campaigning to protect the college’s historic campus, land and farms for educational use so that a new independent Newton Rigg College can eventually be incorporated at its location in Penrith.

A spokesperson for Newton Rigg ltd said,

“The controversial circumstances that left Newton Rigg’s assets unprotected in 2011 are something we have been looking into for some time, helped by documents anonymously shared with us by a whistleblower. Since July 2007, an Asset Deed had been in place protecting Newton Rigg College and its land and farms for further education use. When the University of Cumbria prepared to sell Newton Rigg to a new bidder in 2010, a Prospectus of sale stated the requirement that a new Asset Deed be created to continue the protection of these historic Cumbrian assets under any new ownership. Not only did the parties involved in the 2011 transfer fail to instigate a new Asset Deed, but a specific and highly unusual Deed of Release document was prepared and executed - by two exempt charities, and two Government agencies - wilfully removing any protection from the assets, in the knowledge that doing so would render this ‘campus’ purely a capital asset, available to be sold off at the whim of the new owner. This was in direct conflict to the terms of the Prospectus prepared for the transfer of Newton Rigg College by the SFA, to which all bidders were expected to adhere, and went against the assurances made to then local MP Rory Stewart, who made all parties aware of the need for an Asset Deed.” 

Newton Rigg Ltd have now written formally to Gillian Keegan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, after the issue of Newton Rigg was raised at an EFRA Select Committee hearing on 23rd March. 

A spokesperson for Newton Rigg Ltd said, “Despite the high profile of the EFRA Committee hearing  and the comments made by the Chairman, the Government has failed to respond to the issues raised, has brushed over the devastating impact that the loss of education at Newton Rigg will have in Cumbria and beyond, and has insulted local learners by offering only a handful of agricultural courses that require students to study two days a week in a school classroom and travel outside of Cumbria – the unique landscape they need to learn in – to access any practical learning at a different college 69 miles from Newton Rigg, necessitating a 138 mile round journey.

“The Chair of the EFRA Committee concluded that a policy mistake was made in 2011, placing Newton Rigg’s educational future, and therefore the educational future of Cumbria, at risk. Cumbria is now expected to pay the price. Cumbrian farmers and industry leaders are not fools – we will not let this go. For Cumbria to lose Newton Rigg College, and for our communities and rural economy to suffer long-term as the result of a ‘policy mistake’ is beyond unacceptable” 

Backed by local communities and major Cumbrian businesses, Newton Rigg Ltd has also funded extensive legal advice since the Strategic Review began and based on guidance from specialist charity and education solicitors will now write to the Department of Education regarding its potential failings in its role as Principal Regulator of Askham Bryan College as an exempt charity.

Newton Rigg Ltd said, “Numerous experts and specialist charity and educational solicitors believe the proposed sale of Newton Rigg by Askham Bryan may be unlawful in the context of their charitable duties, and that, as the Principal Regulator of colleges as exempt charities, it is the Government who is allowing this to happen. The Government has consistently failed to understand the role and significance of Newton Rigg, not only to Cumbria’s rural economy but to land-based sectors throughout the UK. We share Lord Inglewood’s plea to the Government not to ’stand by weakly wringing its hands’, but to recognise that an opportunity exists to rebuild Newton Rigg as a shining example of levelling up in action.

“To throw away this opportunity to rebuild land-based education at Newton Rigg would be another grave policy mistake; a mistake as severe as that which led to this mess in the first place. It would also show the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda to be nothing more than a gimmick. 

"Give Newton Rigg back to Cumbria - we’re ready and waiting to make it work. Let it go, and our whole country will pay the price for generations.”

Newton Rigg Ltd ‘’ready to hit the ground running” land-based training provider

As Cumbrians continue to call on government to protect Newton Rigg for educational use, Newton Rigg Ltd’s action plan to rebuild land-based education with training and apprenticeships is pushing forward with widespread community support.

Newton Rigg Ltd is finalising plans to launch ‘Newton Rigg Training’ as an industry-led training provider and begin offering training courses later this year, and apprenticeships in 2022, followed by the incorporation of a new Newton Rigg College for 2025.

Driving plans for Newton Rigg Training are NRL Director Andrew Counsel (former principal of Duchy College Cornwall, 10-year Vice Chair of Landex, and a member of the IFA Route panel for land-based) and Dr Jane Sullivan, an educational consultant and former Director of Newton Rigg College who knows the college, and understands the issues that have affected it over the years,

“Most people probably don’t know how much work went in to Newton Rigg Ltd’s bid to the Further Education Commissioner, which set out an important community-backed vision for land-based education in Cumbria, or how much work is being done ‘on the ground’ right now to develop Newton Rigg Training.” said Dr Sullivan.

“We want people to know that while the fight over Newton Rigg’s assets continues, there is a huge about of work going on in the background to rebuild training opportunities in land-based education and establish ourselves as the safe pair of hands ready to take land-based education forward, and there is still hope that we can do this at Newton Rigg”

“Newton Rigg Training will be a not-for-profit training organisation that has at its very heart, the needs of Cumbrian businesses, employers and the future workforce. We are in the midst of developing our curriculum and securing a talented staffing team to deliver it to the highest standards. The road ahead is challenging, but we are confident that with enough investment to get started we can commence plugging the education and training gaps that have been left in our county by Newton Rigg campus’ closure.

Newton Rigg Ltd’s training plans are partly driven by collaboration with local organisations and businesses supporting the cause.

Adam Day, Managing Director of the Farmer Network, said,

“In future Cumbria's farmers will be required to increase food production and manage the natural environment to the highest level. It is a great challenge which will be enhanced by the right learning and development. The Farmer Network will be working with Newton Rigg Ltd and others to ensure that as much support as possible can be given to farmers of all ages in order to achieve these public benefits.”

“All we need is to raise enough funds to employ our first staff and we’ll be running our first land-based training courses in Cumbria this September”

Newton Rigg Ltd is relying on the support of local donors and businesses who are backing the cause, and have launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign so that members of the public can also contribute.

Chris Crewdson, Newton Rigg Ltd Deputy Chairman and former MD of Gilkes, Kendal, is liaising with businesses large and small, as well as individuals who are keen to support the effort.

“All we need is to raise enough funds to employ our first staff, and Newton Rigg Training will begin offering courses this September. After that we will be generating income and become eligible for funding.

“Of course, we along with many stakeholders are continuing to pressure Government to ensure that Newton Rigg will remain in educational use and as such will be at the heart of our plans, and we assure you that fight is not over, but we’re not hanging about when there are young people in Cumbria worrying about their futures.  We’re ready to hit the ground running.”

“The support for Newton Rigg Ltd from the local community has been incredible. The fact that such respected and experienced businesses as Westmorland Ltd and Carrs Group have contributed to our campaign so far is testament to Cumbria’s determination to fix this mess and look after our future generations. We encourage everyone to chip in so that we can kick-start this absolutely vital training organisation for our rural communities and young people, and hit the ground running this September.”

Support Newton Rigg Ltd via GoFundMe

“We must not let the wool be pulled over our eyes” | How the Government CAN still save Newton Rigg

Press release | 6th May 2021

There is outcry in Cumbria as Askham Bryan College begin marketing Newton Rigg’s land and farms for sale. Newton Rigg Ltd say it is still fighting, along with key stakeholders, for Government intervention, and highlights the important work still being done.

“We must not let the wool be pulled over our eyes” said a spokesperson for Newton Rigg Ltd. 

“The fight is still not over. Yes, it is now confirmed that Askham Bryan College will cease running courses at the Newton Rigg Campus, and yes, Askham Bryan are pushing forward with advertising the property for sale. BUT, this does NOT mean that Newton Rigg College cannot still be protected and rebuilt as a centre of land-based education in Cumbria.  

“Stakeholders submitted a large number of questions to the Select Committee, to be put to Askham Bryan College, and the answers are still awaited. BUT the question of whether Askham Bryan College are legally entitled to sell Newton Rigg has confused this issue for far too long. Whether ABC are legally entitled to sell or not, the Government should be doing right by Cumbria and ensuring that Newton Rigg’s educational value is preserved by whatever means necessary.

“The Parliamentary Inquiry into the situation at Newton Rigg suggested that Askham Bryan College is only able to take this disastrous step as the result of a ‘policy mistake’, which meant that Newton Rigg wasn’t properly safeguarded for educational use when it was originally transferred to ABC’s ownership back in 2011. We are calling on the Government to fix their mistake, and give Cumbria the chance to fix Newton Rigg College.  

“At the very least, the government can intervene to ensure that Newton Rigg only changes hands for educational use, so that we can build the college back better in Cumbria. Further, the government should put in place the necessary funding to ensure that land-based education can continue to thrive at Newton Rigg in this most important rural county – before it is too late.  

“In the right hands, there is no doubt that Newton Rigg College can be restored to its former glory – as is so essential to the future of our rural economy, of agriculture and of land-based industries throughout the UK. Newton Rigg Ltd, and the many stakeholders backing our cause, are fighting to make this happen.

“There is much going on behind the scenes. We were shocked to see that the correspondence regarding Newton Rigg from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, following the Parliamentary Inquiry, appeared full of misunderstandings. It suggested real gaps in the information and insight being drawn upon to make decisions that affect Cumbria’s future in a catastrophic way. We are responding directly to Gillian Keegan to demand proper attention to this issue, along with action to protect Newton Rigg.”

“The Government makes great claims about supporting the future of farmers and rural skills; only this week Boris Johnson has backed the #FARMINGCAN campaign to ‘shine a light’ on the important role of agriculture. The same Government also claims that ‘levelling up’ of prosperity and opportunity is top of its agenda, along with investment in skills development to support every corner of the country. It is time for the Government to stand by these promises. Work with us to give Newton Rigg College the future our county needs, and without which, the future of farming, rural prosperity and skills development will be under threat. The Government will have permitted a policy of 'robbing Cumbrian Peter to pay Yorkshire Paul'.

"Protect Newton Rigg College for education in Cumbria; we have the will and the way to make it work. Let it go, and our county will suffer for generations."

Newton Rigg Ltd is raising funds via a crowdfunding campaign to support its ‘urgent action plan’ to save Newton Rigg,  rebuild land-based education in Cumbria, and open a new independent Newton Rigg College on the site. Link:  gf.me/u/zrmp2u

“The Government can still take action to save Newton Rigg College. Give it back to Cumbria and we’ll make it work; let it go and it’s lost forever.”

The morning after the Chair of the EFRA Committee highlighted key questions that still must be answered regarding Askham Bryan College’s proposed closure and sale of Newton Rigg College’s assets, land and farms, the York college has announced its intention to market these Cumbrian assets for sale from 4th May.

A spokesperson from Newton Rigg Ltd, the expert-led community organisation fighting to save Newton Rigg and rebuild land-based education in Cumbria, said today (Friday 30th April):

“Thursday’s letter from the Chair of the EFRA committee to the Secretary of State not only highlighted the wider importance of land-based education but clearly outlined many of the critical questions that must still be answered regarding Askham Bryan College’s proposed sale of Newton Rigg, one of the country’s most important and longest-standing agricultural colleges, as well as the ‘policy mistake’ that placed these precious Cumbrian assets at risk when they were transferred to Askham Bryan College’s ownership back in 2010/11. 

Newton Rigg’s land and buildings, with a market value of £8.3m, were transferred to Askham Bryan College for nothing in 2011 on the basis that educational provision would continue. The Chair’s letter recognised that during this process, the ‘policy decision’ to release Askham Bryan College from the restrictions of a long-standing Asset Deed, intended to protect Newton Rigg’s assets for educational use and remove the risk of the disaster we face today, “appears to have been a mistake”.

For Cumbria to lose Newton Rigg College – and its only specialist land-based educational provision - as the result of a ‘policy mistake’ is beyond unacceptable. 

As the letter states, “the closure of Newton Rigg will leave Cumbria without any specialist land-based educational provider for the first time in over 100 years" and while Askham Bryan College are acting to secure its financial position and observe its obligation to other students, “Newton Rigg remains an important community asset and its closure means that its value will be lost to both the land-based educational sector and the local community”.  

Cumbria and the North West of England will be deprived of ANY dedicated land-based College within 69 miles of Penrith, while Yorkshire will have three Colleges and several campuses. We will not stop asking why Cumbria’s land-based and further education is being sacrificed to protect another region… this is not ‘levelling up’, it is blatant ‘levelling down’.

As if to add insult to injury, only this morning, Boris Johnson himself backs a national campaign to ‘shine a light on the enormous contribution farmers bring to our communities’. This is no time for cognitive dissonance. This is no time for policy mistakes to result in the loss of an educational institution that is so critical to the future of farming and land-based industry.  The Government CAN still take action to save Newton Rigg College. Give it back to Cumbria and we’ll make it work; let it go and it’s lost forever.”

Newton Rigg Ltd and its supporters remain focussed on their urgent action plan to rebuild land-based education and bring Newton Rigg College back to Cumbria, for good. 

Newton Rigg Ltd is raising funds via a crowdfunding campaign to support its ‘urgent action plan’ to save Newton Rigg,  rebuild land-based education in Cumbria, and open a new independent Newton Rigg College on the site. Link:  gf.me/u/zrmp2u

Newton Rigg Ltd launch urgent action plan to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria with ‘new, independent, Cumbrian Newton Rigg College to open in 2024/25’

Newton Rigg Ltd is calling for support as the community organisation announces its urgent action plan to rebuild the future of land-based education at Newton Rigg, starting with training courses this year, the introduction of apprenticeships in 2022 and leading to the opening of a new, independent, Cumbrian Newton Rigg College in 2024/25. 

“Rebuilding land-based education will not be an easy journey in light of the current challenges facing education, but we are making it possible. Our message remains clear:  Any compromise of land-based education in Cumbria is not an option. The alternative provision currently being offered to some students on some courses is too limited to sustain our communities and industries. Cumbria needs Newton Rigg College. At this critical moment in Cumbria’s history, and the changes to rural practice following Brexit, our community has a unique opportunity to bring Newton Rigg back to Cumbria and rebuild this vital institution for generations to come. We must pull together with great urgency to make this happen and we hope the whole community will get behind this urgent action plan to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria and bring back Newton Rigg College for good.” Said Professor Andy Cobb, NRL Chairman.

Newton Rigg Ltd is calling for countywide support so that its plans to rebuild land-based education at Newton Rigg can make pace at this pivotal moment for Cumbria.

Newton Rigg Ltd’s urgent action plan can be outlined in four steps: 

1.STOP THE SALE

While we await the outcome of the Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry, Askham Bryan College are at the same time preparing to advertise Newton Rigg’s campus, land and farms for sale.  Funded by supporters, Newton Rigg Ltd’s legal advisors have already played a critical role in challenging Askham Bryan College’s right to sell Newton Rigg, stripping these assets from Cumbria in order to save themselves from insolvency. Other legal questions relate to the acquisition of Newton Rigg by Askham Bryan in 2011, and Askham Bryan somehow releasing itself from an Asset Deed, of 2007, which was designed to protect Newton Rigg for Further Education.

2. PROTECT THE ASSETS

Newton Rigg Ltd have begun an initiative for Newton Rigg’s campus, land and farms, once saved, to be held in trust and therefore preserved for educational use, forever. They are working with legal experts on the most appropriate structure for this trust or foundation to ensure that the assets can never be threatened again. 

“All local stakeholders and authorities must pull together to make this happen and we are calling on local and district councils, the LEP, Cumbria MPs, local businesses and other rural stakeholder organisations, such as the Farmers Network and the Foundation for Common Land to support this critical step for Cumbria. “ said Professor Cobb.

3. REBUILD LAND-BASED EDUCATION WITH TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS

A new initiative, ‘Newton Rigg Training’, being set up by Newton Rigg Ltd and advisors including Dr Jane Sullivan (Director of Newton Rigg College 2015-2018, scientist, outdoor educator and educational consultant specialising in alternative and further education) and Andrew Counsell (Director of Newton Rigg Ltd, former principal of Duchy College, Vice Chair of Landex, member IFA Route panel for land-based,) will offer training courses this September and apprenticeships starting next year.  

Andrew Counsell, who now lives at Hawick, said, “As one of the top farming counties in the country, Cumbria needs to be proud of its own provision based at Newton Rigg, maintaining a long and outstanding history. We are creating a Group Training Organisation - a partnership between education and rural business and industry – that will provide education and training that will lead to employment. This is specifically aimed at local land-based businesses and the farming community. We will actively seek to become a main provider of apprenticeships for land-based and allied businesses in Cumbria, starting with agriculture, horticulture, agricultural engineering and forestry, expanding in time to other areas of land-based education. This will take up to a year and it is hoped that the positive support of the farming and rural communities will strengthen the process. We will also build upon this training offer with the development of the ‘Newton Rigg Rural Business School’, that will set the foundations for our future college by creating close and strong links between education and employers, rural businesses and farmers, and the rural community”

4. WELCOME NEW LEARNERS AGED 16 AND ABOVE TO A NEW, CUMBRIAN, INDEPENDENT NEWTON RIGG COLLEGE IN SEPTEMBER 2025

Once Newton Rigg Training has been trading as a training provider for a year, the organisation will apply to create an independent, innovative, “new model” Newton Rigg College, using technical innovation and partnerships. 

Chairman, Professor Andrew Cobb, said, “With the continuing support of government agencies, incorporation of a new, Cumbrian and independent Newton Rigg College will be possible, providing short courses for skills development, apprenticeships and life-long learning programmes to Cumbria and beyond. We will deliver a range of Further Education programmes, leading in time to a Higher Education portfolio. Our aim is to welcome new learners aged 16+ to a new, Cumbrian and independent Newton Rigg College in September 2025. It will be a new dawn for this vital institution built on the strong foundations of expert-led training, robust community and industry links, and the very values upon which this unique land-based college was founded in 1896.”

Fundraising Call

Newton Rigg Limited is a community-led organisation involving leading experts in land-based and further education. The organisation has been relying on donations large and small from individuals and organisations including Westmorland Limited and Carrs Group, alongside the voluntary support of expert educators and advisors who have been working on this roadmap for the future with close links in the local land-based community.

Newton Rigg Ltd Director Chris Crewdson, former Managing Director of Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd in Kendal, said, 

“We are incredibly grateful to the supporters whose generous donations have funded our fight to save Newton Rigg so far. Our fundraising must now continue and intensify to support two key areas: Stepping up our legal support at this pivotal moment for Newton Rigg, and employing initial key staff who will launch our expert-led Newton Rigg Ltd training and apprenticeship programmes – the first step in rebuilding Newton Rigg College.”

“We are in the process of launching a crowdfunding campaign, but also urge any local businesses or individuals who value Newton Rigg College’s future to get in touch via our website and discuss how they can support our urgent action plan by becoming a sponsor, making a donation or getting involved.”

contact@futureofnewtonrigg.co.uk

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Update & Parliamentary Enquiry

We have deliberately stayed silent recently out of respect for the stresses caused to students, staff and the community by the uncertainty around Newton Rigg’s future. We do not wish to offer vague information and instead are focussing on the work we need to do to build Newton Rigg College back better for future generations.

We welcome the PARLIAMENTARY ENQUIRY that will take place in the House of Commons 2.30pm TODAY, to explore the future of land-based education provision in the UK and also the reasons for the threat to Newton Rigg College’s future. The Parliamentary Enquiry can be viewed at 2.30pm via Parliament Live TV.

One of our main challenges is to ensure that the Newton Rigg assets are not sold off to the highest bidder, instead preserving them as rightful foundations for the future of land-based education in Cumbria.

In recent weeks, our work has been focused entirely on our plans to create a sustainable long-term future for land-based education in Cumbria with access to the Newton Rigg campus and farms. This has included discussions with Myerscough College to find ways of working together to maintain credible and land-based Further and Higher Education offerings within the County. Our team of Directors and Advisors are working tirelessly with a clear intention to acquire the Newton Rigg campus and ‘BUILD IT BACK BETTER’- from training and apprenticeships to a new, independent Newton Rigg College for Cumbria in years to come.

We expect to share more in the coming days and weeks.

Newton Rigg Ltd will ‘build it back better’ for Cumbria

As Askham Bryan College and the FEC today announce no successful bidder in the Strategic Review of options for the future of Newton Rigg College, Newton Rigg Ltd announce confidence in their alternative plans to purchase the assets and ‘build it back better’ for Cumbria once and for all.

As announced previously, Newton Rigg Ltd have prepared for today’s disappointing outcome of the Strategic Review having foreseen the difficulties in expecting a partner college to take on liabilities and financial uncertainties associated with any transfer of provision from Askham Bryan College. 

As such, Newton Rigg Ltd  have been entirely focused on a robust ‘plan B’ that will see their investment partners bid to purchase the assets outright and facilitate a truly sustainable solution for the future of land-based education in Cumbria.

Chairman Professor Andrew Cobb made the following statement today (9th February 2021): 

“It’s time to move beyond the Strategic Review. Our financial partners, who share our commitment to Newton Rigg’s future, will now seek to purchase the campus from Askham Bryan thus facilitating our 3-5-year strategy: A new dawn of Newton Rigg-led training and apprenticeships, the progressive development of a Rural Business School and Agri-Tech initiative, all forming a robust pathway to the incorporation of a new, independent, Cumbrian, Newton Rigg College. 

"We have recognised that a small portion of Newton Rigg’s surplus campus land will need to be released for employment purposes [ as foreseen in the local development plan ] and that in due course, and subject to planning approval, a further small portion of the land surrounding the campus will need to be developed for alternative use. These developments will not compromise Newton Rigg’s educational viability or scope, but will contribute to the finances which will be needed to enhance the facilities at Newton Rigg and ensure the sustainable hub of education and training that Cumbria needs.

"The FEC are aware of our proposals and we are in advanced discussions with the Education and Skills Funding Agency about support for our innovative ‘build it back better’ strategy for Newton Rigg. Our plans are fully in line with Government objectives on future skills training and apprenticeships. 

We know that today’s news will bring huge disappointment, this has been an incredibly challenging time for all involved with Newton Rigg. But we must now look to the future and ask Cumbria to have faith in the many stakeholders backing this ‘build it back better’ plan. We are also working very hard on potential solutions that we hope will enable existing learners to continue their land-based studies with access to the campus and farms. We will be sharing more news on this front as soon as possible. “

Newton Rigg Ltd working on Plan B as partner colleges unable to commit

“As stated previously, Newton Rigg Ltd has been working on securing a college partnership that would facilitate a successful Bid for the educational future of Newton Rigg College, in the FEC’s strategic review, with the deadline of this Friday 29th. 

Despite enormous efforts from all involved, including the potential college partner who pursued every possible avenue to facilitate Newton Rigg’s  future, we now know it will not be possible to finalise a college agreement that would enable our visionary Bid to be approved by the FEC. This means that, our Bid cannot, for now, proceed as planned. The liabilities associated with the transfer from Askham Bryan College, and the uncertainties regarding the finances, pose too great a risk for a partner college to be expected to bear. 

However, we have prepared for this unfortunate outcome and can confirm that the fight is not over. Newton Rigg Ltd are now entirely focused on ‘Plan B’. We are confident that our investment partners have the will and the funds to purchase the Newton Rigg assets, in a collaborative initiative that would provide an alternative route to securing the future of land-based education, skills training and apprenticeships at Newton Rigg on a meaningful scale, while enabling continued access to the farms for students to complete their studies. While we cannot confirm solid details yet, we will describe our plans to the community as soon as possible. 

We are confident that we can preserve Newton Rigg for Cumbria  and we will work with our many individual, corporate and local industry supporters to make this happen. We will also be discussing our Plan B with the FEC, to highlight that an alternative solution for Newton Rigg could be supported by Askham Bryan College as part of their intended disposal of the assets." 

‘Genuine opportunity’ to save college

Newton Rigg Ltd has announced a significant development in its bid to save Newton Rigg College and has today called on Government to take action to prevent Askham Bryan College from selling land or assets. 

Newton Rigg Ltd have reported that their fight to save Newton Rigg College has intensified over the last few days, with significant new steps taken to secure the future of the college. The group has been in fast-paced discussions with a major college that is keen to facilitate Newton Rigg Ltd’s proposals, creating a genuine opportunity to save the college. Given this major development, Newton Rigg Ltd has directly requested that the Government take action to prevent any sale of Newton Rigg land and assets while conversations continue and in any event until the end of February 2021.    

Andrew Cobb, Chairman of Newton Rigg Ltd, made the following statement today, Christmas Eve:  

“On 18th December, the Further Education Commissioner informed us that the main reason our bid was rejected was because we had, in the very short timeframe of the Strategic Review process, been unable to finalise an agreement with a partner college that would facilitate the transition of provision at Newton Rigg College from Askham Bryan’s ownership. 

However, we have since been engaged in fast-paced discussions with a significant college group who are actively exploring ways they will facilitate our proposals for the Newton Rigg College, with a shared commitment to the future of our community.  We are working towards a supportive relationship, not another merger. This will enable a seamless transition with the aim of eventually establishing Newton Rigg College as an independent institution in its own right.  We are confident that an agreement will be concluded soon after our meetings resume at the start of January 2021. 

Consequently, we have today (24th December) written to the Further Education Commissioner and Dr Neil Hudson MP to outline this critical development and formally request that Askham Bryan College be prevented from selling any Newton Rigg land or assets while conversations continue and in any event not before the end of February 2021. 

The overriding purpose of the Government’s Strategic Review was to promote and facilitate a stable and secure future for Further Education at Newton Rigg College; to prevent the stripping of educational assets from Cumbria and preserve the public benefit to our communities through education. For that reason, we hope that the Government will embrace this genuine opportunity to prevent Newton Rigg’s closure and that they will take immediate action to prevent Askham Bryan College from moving forward with any sales of property or assets. 

We welcome Neil Hudson MP’s hard work and genuine commitment to saving Newton Rigg College and will be calling on all local MPs to support us in our request. 

We would like to again express our thanks to the community and the very committed staff at Newton Rigg College who continue to excel themselves throughout this immensely difficult time. We would like to again reassure our community that this fight is not over.”

Cumbrians don’t give up | Statement

We are deeply disappointed and frustrated that the Strategic Review team have rejected our proposals for the future of Newton Rigg College. As you’d expect, we are not giving up. We believe strongly that our bid should have been successful, and that the secure and stable future we outlined for Land-Based and General Further Education at Newton Rigg College remains both achievable and essential for Cumbria and the UK. 

Our fight for the future of Newton Rigg College, and to prevent this stripping of educational assets from Cumbria, will continue. We will follow legal and other professional advice, exploring every available option and will be working with local MPs and organisations over coming days and weeks to insist not only on ‘a future’ for education at Newton Rigg, but on ‘the right future’ for Newton Rigg, as outlined in our community-led proposals. We are glad that Dr Neil Hudson MP will be leading discussions to retain education at Newton Rigg College. We will enter these next steps with vigour and determination to ensure that Newton Rigg’s educational future is not compromised. 

Many people have stepped forward asking what they can do right now to challenge the situation at Newton Rigg College or share their views. Our message is this: Please ensure that your voice is heard by emailing Neil Hudson MP (or your local MP) and the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP.  Every individual has the right to do this and right now, every voice is important.

We would like to thank all our supporters and those who have contributed to our ‘fighting fund’. In this next stage, your support will be even more critical.  

We would also like to state our enormous respect and support for the brilliant and dedicated staff at Newton Rigg College, who are totally committed to the learning and personal development of their students – even during these challenging times. Without such dedication and commitment, there would be no college to save. 

Andrew Cobb, Chairman, and the Directors of Newton Rigg Ltd.

Former Principal of Duchy College joins locals' bid for Newton Rigg’s future, as government considers options for the site

As part of the government’s Strategic Review of options for the Newton Rigg College site, Newton Rigg Ltd submitted their bid to the Further Education Commissioner on 30th October. Discussions will continue over the coming weeks with the preferred bidder expected to be announced during December if not sooner. Newton Rigg Ltd is a local, independent company specifically formed to protect the future of the College by taking part in this bidding process and developing detailed proposals for its revitalised future. 

"We are incredibly proud of the bid we have submitted to the Further Education Commissioner, which clearly outlines the future importance of Newton Rigg College to our communities, our farmers and guardians of our landscapes, and to the future of land-based industries throughout the UK,“ said Professor Andrew Cobb, Chairman of Newton Rigg Ltd.  "We would like to thank members of the local community, and the many experts in educational and land-based sectors, who have come forward to support and shape this much-needed vision.  Newton Rigg College needs commitment to realise its important future potential, not compromise. We should all be proud that we have pulled together as a community to fight for this to happen.  We hope that our community's voices will be heard as competing bids are considered.”

Newton Rigg Ltd’s bid outlines steps towards a secure and stable future for Newton Rigg College, based on strong local leadership, collaboration with employers and much-needed investment in facilities. Newton Rigg Ltd’s vision is not only  to continue the college’s vital role in further education and training for local communities, farmers and land-based businesses, but also to embrace new opportunities for the college to enhance its public benefit through initiatives including an Agri-Tech Village and demonstration farms, proactive apprenticeship and rural skills schemes, and new provision to address the lack of in-county opportunities for high needs students and others not in education, employment or training.  

Widespread support and expert influence support Newton Rigg Ltd's bid to create a college for the future

Newton Rigg Ltd are also proud to announce that Mr Andrew Counsell, former Principal of Duchy College Cornwall, has joined their Board of Directors.  Mr Counsell brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the land-based sector, heavily focused on education management and curriculum design. Mr Counsell was member of senior management at Duchy College, Cornwall, for almost 30 years, serving 15 years as Principal and also establishing the Duchy Rural Business School. Mr Counsell is a member of the IFA Route panel for land-based and 10-year Vice Chair of LANDEX - Land Based Colleges Aspiring to Excellence. Mr Counsell is also renowned in the Equine sector throughout Europe. Andrew lives near Hawick in the Borders. 

 "I am very pleased to work with the Newton Rigg Ltd team to keep the strong heritage of land-based education alive in Cumbria,” said Andrew Counsell. "I am impressed by the passion, drive and local enthusiasm for the College and its long traditions of high quality education. To address the many issues facing rural communities,  current changes in Agricultural policy and environmental priorities, there is no doubt we need local centres of excellence for the land based community." 

Newton Rigg Ltd has received letters of support from many influential members of the local, farming and business communities, and national land-based organisations. These can be seen on the Newton Rigg Ltd website: https://www.futureofnewtonrigg.co.uk/letters-of-support

Newton Rigg Ltd’s Facebook page launched last week and gained more than 1700 followers in just two days.  “The future of Newton Rigg is a public issue, indeed, securing its future for the public benefit is the fundamental basis of the Government’s Strategic Review process” said Christopher Crewdson, Deputy Chairman at Newton Rigg Ltd. "We’re pleased to have this platform for the community’s voices to be heard and to demonstrate the public’s strong opinion that the closure of Newton Rigg College would be a hammer-blow to local provision for education and career development for young people and adult learners, not to mention to the future of our rural communities and landscapes."

Local company formed to protect Newton Rigg College’s future

Members of the Cumbrian community along with experts in land-based education and industry have formed a company to bid for Newton Rigg College’s future in the Government’s strategic review of options for the site. 

Newton Rigg Ltd submitted an Expression of Interest to the Further Education Commissioner and will be submitting detailed educational proposals for the future of Newton Rigg by 30th October as part of the review process. 

 “Our bid to save Newton Rigg College is solely focused on the continuation, and development, of specialist land-based education at an enhanced campus, for the benefit of young people and adults, farming communities and relevant industries in Cumbria and elsewhere,” said Professor Andrew Cobb, Chairman of the new company Newton Rigg Ltd. “Alongside many others speaking out in support, we believe that Newton Rigg has a vital and sustainable future. Our purpose is to facilitate this by working with local investors and partners who share our vision; putting the student first, maintaining excellence in academic achievement, improving the campus, investing in new opportunities and building strong partnerships in land-based industry just like those upon which this unique educational establishment was originally built.” 

Newton Rigg Ltd’s directors, advisors and sponsors bring together experts from local and farming communities, specialist land-based education (including two former Newton Rigg College governors), employment training, industry, law and financial planning. 

Newton Rigg Ltd. is continuing to receive numerous letters of support from a wide range of high-profile members of the local and farming communities, local industries and land-based sectors. These can be viewed on the company's website futureofnewtonrigg.co.uk.