Along with many of its early tutors, the College had explicitly left-wing political aims which won it both passionate supporters and bitter opponents through the 1980s. This reached a peak during the national miners’ strike of 1984-85, in which many staff and students at the College were actively involved.
The College has continued to evolve, and still operates from the house at Wentworth Castle. The College has a proud 40-year legacy, having changed thousands of lives, including a number of people recovering from trauma and addiction. It recently launched a programme for people whose lives have been affected by modern day slavery, drawing upon the history of Wentworth Castle to inspire its work today.