Dilston College

Coordinates: 54°57′54″N 2°02′20″W / 54.965°N 2.039°W / 54.965; -2.039

Dilston College
240px Dilston College, 2005
Dilston College  Dilston College shown within Northumberland
OS grid reference	NY975633
List of places: UK • England • Northumberland

The Mencap National College Dilston is a specialist college situated in rural Northumberland. |It is located midway between Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle and it is easily accessible by road, rail and air.

The college was established in 1971 and first inspected as a specialist college in 1994. Dilston prepares students with learning disabilities for the next stage in their lives. It is owned by Mencap and is part of the Mencap National College (MNC).

The college offers courses that meet individual needs via both accredited and non-accredited learning in the area of 'Preparation for Life and Work'. There are currently 81 students at the college of whom 59 are residential and 22 are day students.

The main college campus, complete with ruined Dilston Castle and 17th Century chapel, is set in 9 acres of park, woodland and gardens. Teaching and residential accommodation is situated in the main building (a 3-storey large country house and former maternity home) as well as around the estate in houses and cottages. Facilities include a café, bakery, training kitchen and refectory, gardens, workshops, greenhouses, aviary, animal house, vehicle valeting bay and facilities for leisure, arts and outdoor pursuits.

All residential accommodation on the main campus is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate. The college currently meets |all 43 National Care Standards with 33 commendations.

24 students live in 6 houses in the local town (Hexham) and access college facilities and/or work experience during weekdays.