Ridley Hall Teacher Training College was opened on Saturday, 26th May 1968 by Mrs. Gladys Robson, a former Lord Mayor of Newcastle. She was chairman of the Northern Counties College of Education. A ten year lease of the Hall was obtained in 1966. It has accommodation for 68 men and women students and 7 full-time tutors. It has first year students only. Because of the comparatively isolated position of Ridley Hall, extra-curricular activities were very important.