Newbattle Abbey College

Staff and students celebrate on top of Ben Nevis after a successful year at Newbattle Abbey College.

Jackie Kane, Administration Supervisor said, “I have always wanted to climb a Munro, I thought it was just a dream but now I’ve actually done it! It was really hard work but worth it – I had such a sense of achievement – and the view was stunning – the world was at my feet – it made me understand better what the students feel about Newbattle. This was my first Munro – the first of many I hope – bring on the next one!”

Students’ Comments

Whatever your reason for choosing Newbattle, it will be a life changing experience as some of the following comments show! Are you a former student? If you would like to contribute your comments or experience to this page please get in touch – see panel on right for the email address.

We have a new recommend a friend scheme now running. If you know someone you think may be suitable to come to Newbattle, email us with your contact details and also the details of the person who you would like to nominate here. £50 will be posted to anyone who successfully recommends a new student that stays with us until Christmas.

Recently we asked some former students to share their best memories of Newbattle. Here are some of the replies:

‘For me Newbattle was a very positive experience and it still gives me great pleasure to think about all the lovely people I met and worked with. It gave me great satisfaction to complete the course but it will always be the people I met that come to mind first. I send my best wishes to all at Newbattle and hope to call in someday to see everyone again.’

 Frank Garland

‘My best memories of Newbattle Abbey College are of the beautiful building and surrounding grounds which I found most relaxing and conducive to learning. All the staff were friendly and helpful and did their best to meet the needs of all the students. Whenever I talk to anyone about Newbattle I always tell them that it was a privilege to have the experience of living and learning at Newbattle. I’m proud to be a Newbattle boy!’

Michael Leneghan

‘How close everyone was when I was there, it was something you took for granted. We were all in the same boat. Also, how the lecturers really care and try to understand the baggage I had about education. They proved that not all teachers are the same. They wanted me to succeed.’

 Melanie Crout

‘When I look back I realise that the time spent at Newbattle was the most rewarding and enjoyable time I’ve had. If I could do it again I wouldn’t hesitate. I can’t pick a single best memory as they were all so good, maybe winning the poetry competition or the first day walking through the gates.’

Roy Taylor

‘Playing endless games of table tennis in the warmth of the college on cold wintry days and sitting outside for classes in the beautiful grounds in the summer sunshine.’

 Tom France

‘How do you begin to sort through all the good memories that I brought back from Newbattle? People, staff, just being there in that wonderful building. I wish I could do it again, I’d be there in a shot. The experience will stay with me forever.’

Polly Mills

‘The people that I met, some of whom are still friends. The grounds were really impressive and the buildings. The motivation and support of some tutors was great and I would repeat study there again.’

 Vitor Azevedot

‘Creative writing class – a brilliant teacher who has such a refreshing outlook on life. It inspired me to do my current degree course which is the best thing I’ve ever done. Thank You!’

Zoe Stephens,

‘All of it, the whole experience was great, couldn’t find a bad thing about it.’

 Alan Young

‘The incredible bond that formed between so many students from a wide range of different social and ethnic backgrounds.’

Nigel Johnson

Here’s what some other former students have said about Newbattle:

‘Newbattle offers so many other things apart from education, although that’s its prime purpose. It offers the opportunity to be in such lovely surroundings and the environment.¬† The resources in the library, the information, the new computer room – a building like this rubs off on you – the sense of history and the atmosphere combined with the people you meet.’

 John McLean

‘They put you at ease, they make you feel that you can do things that you wouldn’t normally be able to do.’

Susan Lush

‘If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be sitting reading a textbook on psychology and not only understanding it but also enjoying it, I’d have thought there was something wrong with you, and if you’d said that I would pay attention to Politics, National and European, I would have laughed. I know now that I need to be doing something that challenges me.’

 Margaret Munro

‘Sometimes I wonder where I’ve been for the last 40 years. I hadn’t seen myself as university material. I thought that it was for high fliers. But I now realise that it’s not too late. I’m not sure whether I’ll go to university or not. But at least I know that I could.’

Jane Agnew

‘I’ve just applied for four jobs and got four interviews. I put that down to the fact that I’m here doing this course. I’d like to go to university but I won’t get funded because of my age. So I now plan to work for a few more years, save and then pay myself through at 60. Newbattle has given me a new freedom and a new lease of life. For anyone thinking of coming here I’d say that you’d never regret it. In fact, you may regret it if you don’t!’

 Terri Semple

‘The people here really believe in you and they convince you to believe in yourself. If you decide you can do something, you can. A lot of it is about your mental outlook. I’m going on to do a course in portfolio presentation so I can go to Art College and I am also applying for an Art History degree. I’m closer and closer to what I’ve always wanted to do.’

Stuart MacKay

Still not Convinced?

Take a look at the following articles written by former Newbattle students:

The Best Kept Secret in Scotland

Big Issue Article

The Newbattle Abbey College Experience

See also the ‘Life changing experience’ film: