In the college's last full Ofsted Inspection in 2023, it was graded Requires improvement.

The new build is the first capital development that the college has embarked on since the main campus was originally constructed in 1971.

On 20 May 2009 the new build was shortlisted for the Learning and Skills Council / Royal Institute of British Architects Further Education Design Excellence Awards 2009.

The Arts and Media Campus comprises the Allen Building where creative and expressive arts are taught; Wildman Studios where arts courses are taught; Kendal Museum, which is managed by the college as part of a 10-year agreement with South Lakeland District Council; The Box, a 120-seat, a performance venue for drama and technical theatre students; and Castle Dairy, a 14th-century Grade 1 Listed building, which has been renovated for use as an art gallery and cafe, staffed by Kendal College hospitality and catering apprentices and officially opened on 18 October 2011 by Davie Starkey.

[6] The college also manages Kendal Museum as part of a 10-year partnership agreement with South Lakeland District Council.