Looking back at Carlisle College throughout the years

One of the key components of the college's history was the Carlisle Art College, which was established in 1854 by the Carlisle School of Art.

The institution was considered among the first of its kind in the country, focusing on delivering training in the arts and creative industries. It was founded as the Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts in 1822, it proceeded as the Carlisle College of Art, from 1950, and switched to Cumbria Institute of the Arts from Cumbria College of Art and Design in 2001.

The Institute merged with St Martin's College (founded in Lancaster) to form the University of Cumbria on 1 August 2007. Cumbria Institute became the University's Faculty of Arts.

The institution later became Carlisle Technical College in the 1950s, reflecting its emphasis on practical, skills-based learning. In a move to consolidate education provision in the area, Carlisle College of Art and Carlisle Technical College merged in 1970 to form Carlisle College.

The merger allowed the institution to broaden its educational offering, providing an array of courses in a variety of disciplines, such as business and technology.

In its early years, Carlisle College was based in several locations across the city.

However, in the 1990s, a significant investment was made to bring all of its faculties onto one campus. The main campus is now located on Victoria Place.

In 2017, the college became a member of the NCG (formerly Newcastle College Group), one of the largest education and training providers in the country.