Newbattle Abbey College

As ‘Scotland’s Adult Education Residential College’ we offer adults with few or no qualifications the opportunity to experience a high quality transformative learning experience within a historic heritage site. Our motto is ‘Sero Sed Serio’ (late but in earnest), and describes our students who are 19 years of age or over, returning to education after diverse life experiences. Taking the first steps back into education can be daunting, but at Newbattle we are aware of that and try to provide the right sort of support. Our learners benefit from high quality teaching in tutorial groups from tutors who are committed to help you build up your confidence and who will encourage you to enjoy the learning experience. The college is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Edinburgh and the historic 16th century building and peaceful surroundings make it a unique place to learn and study, to take stock and embark on new opportunities. When the 11th Marquis of Lothian generously gave this former Cistercian monastery to the people of Scotland, he wanted those who had never had an education to benefit. Almost 80 years later, the college still operates with the same principles. In addition to our core Arts & Humanities curriculum, we also offer and continue to develop, a variety of courses in Rural Skills, Celtic Studies and new for 2022 Horticulture. Our greatest asset is our people and the on-going success of our college is dependent on every member of staff. We have shared Mission, Vision and Values that place you, the student, at the very centre of what we do.