Oaklands College

What Oaklands College does

Oaklands College is a large general further education college headquartered at St Albans, Hertfordshire, founded in 1921 and operating across three campuses — St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Borehamwood — serving school leavers aged 16–19, adult learners, employers, SEND students (via its L.I.F.E. provision) and a small higher-education cohort. The college delivers more than 300 vocational and academic courses spanning A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships from Level 2 through to Higher Education, Skills Bootcamps, Access to Higher Education, ESOL, AAT accounting and selected University of Hertfordshire degrees (including a Digital Technologies/AI pathway). A distinctive sub-brand, Oaklands Wolves, layers elite sports-academy coaching (basketball, rugby, football, netball, hockey, golf, athletics and more) on top of academic study via partnerships with Saracens Rugby, England Basketball and Arsenal Women's FC.

The business model is a hybrid of UK government further-education funding (for eligible 16–18 and adult learners), apprenticeship levy and CITB/skills-bootcamp funding, employer-paid training contracts, and ancillary commercial income from community-facing assets — a working farm, Oaklands Zoo, an equestrian centre, Stables Restaurant, Oasis Salon, sports zones, venue hire and student accommodation. Customer reach is regional (Hertfordshire) with employer partnerships extending nationally (Airbus, Coca-Cola, Watford FC, Royal Ascot, Crown Golf Group); distribution is via physical campuses, a self-serve online application portal (applyonline.oaklands.ac.uk), open events, school-engagement programmes and the Oaklands Connect employer networking series. The technology stack is not publicly disclosed, and there is no indication of in-house AI/ML capability; differentiation rests on brand reputation (NBL Division 1 basketball, alumnus Matt Weston — double Olympic gold medallist Milano Cortina 2026), multi-campus reach and a wide apprenticeship-employer ecosystem rather than proprietary technology.

Name

Oaklands College

Legal name

Oaklands College

Website

https://oaklands.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1921

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Oaklands College is a large UK general further education college in Hertfordshire operating three campuses (St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Borehamwood) that delivers A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, Higher Education and Skills Bootcamps to school leavers, adults, employers and SEND students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further and vocational education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Educational Services (611), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

College/University Athletic Departments & Varsity Programs (MPAKACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

University/College Club Sports Programs (MPAKACAK), Youth & Scholastic Sports Organizations (K–12, AAU, Club Leagues) (MPAKACAF), College Recruiting & Scholarship Advisory / Athlete Placement (HSADAEAL)

Keywords

• Further education college
• Vocational training
• Apprenticeship programs
• Higher education
• Adult learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Stevenage

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Further Education Funding: Oaklands College operates as a further education college primarily funded through government education funding mechanisms for vocational courses, A Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education programmes.
2. Tuition and Course Fees: Revenue generated from course fees for adult learners, international students, and programmes not fully funded by government subsidies.
3. Apprenticeship Levy and Government Funding: Funding from employer apprenticeship levy contributions and government skills funding for workforce development programmes including Skills Bootcamps.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Oaklands College is a further education college in Hertfordshire delivering over 300 vocational and academic courses across three campuses (St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Borehamwood). Core offerings include A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships (Level 2 through Higher Education), Skills Bootcamps, higher education programmes partnered with the University of Hertfordshire, adult learning, and SEND provision. The college also operates the Oaklands Wolves sports academy, combining elite coaching in multiple sports with academic study, and provides employer-focused apprenticeship and workforce training services.

Product overview

Oaklands College is a leading educational provider in Hertfordshire offering over 300 vocational and academic courses across diverse subject areas. The college operates a modular portfolio of educational products including A Levels, T Levels, Apprenticeships (Level 2 through Higher Education), and Higher Education programmes partnered with the University of Hertfordshire. Key offerings include the Oaklands Wolves Sports Academy (providing elite coaching alongside academic study through partnerships with Saracens Rugby, England Basketball, and Arsenal Women's FC), L.I.F.E. SEND provision, Skills Bootcamps, and adult learning courses. The college also provides Training & Development services for employers including apprenticeship programmes, the Industry Advantage employer scheme, and CITB testing. Community facilities include an on-campus zoo, working farm, equestrian centre, restaurant, and venue hire services across its three campuses (St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, and Borehamwood).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Oaklands Wolves: Sports academy combining elite coaching with academic excellence across multiple sports including basketball, rugby, football, netball, hockey, and more
• Oaklands Training & Development
• Oaklands Connect
• L.I.F.E.

Products and services

• Vocational and Academic Courses Over 300 vocational and academic courses across diverse subject areas including Animal Management, Applied Science, Art & Design, Business, Computing, Construction, Engineering, Equine Studies, Film & TV, Hair & Beauty, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Motor Vehicle, Music, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport, and Travel & Tourism, offered to school leavers, adult learners, and progression students.
• Apprenticeships Apprenticeship programmes spanning Levels 2 through Higher Education across sectors including construction, engineering, early years, business, electrical, greenkeeping, and more, with Foundation Apprenticeships for 16-21 year olds. Delivered through the Oaklands Training & Development division for both individual apprentices and employer partners.
• A Levels Advanced Level qualifications in subjects including Biology, Business, Chemistry, History, Law, English Literature, Maths, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology, offered to 16-19 year old school leavers at the St Albans and Welwyn Garden City campuses.
• T Levels Technical Level qualifications in Animal Care, Digital Software Development, Education & Childcare, Engineering, Health, and Business Management & Administration, designed for 16-19 year olds as an alternative to A Levels with a substantial industry placement component.
• Higher Education / University Level Higher National Certificates (HNC), Higher National Diplomas (HND), and degree-level programmes including University of Hertfordshire partnerships in areas such as Computing (Cyber Security, Network Engineering), Construction Management, Digital Technologies (AI), Engineering, and Sport & Exercise Science.
• Adult Courses Part-time and evening courses for adults including Access to Higher Education, ESOL, AAT accounting qualifications, online courses, and employability skills programmes, targeted at adult learners and career changers.
• Skills Bootcamps Funded skills bootcamps for adult learners and employers, including programmes delivered at HMP The Mount for rehabilitation and employment preparation. Oaklands College is the largest provider of Skills Bootcamps in Hertfordshire, holding a £1.7 million contract.
• Oaklands Wolves Sports Academy Elite sports academy combining professional coaching with academic study, featuring partnerships with Saracens Rugby Club, England Basketball, and Arsenal Women's FC. Includes basketball, football, rugby, netball, hockey, athletics, cycling, golf, and cheerleading programmes for student-athletes.
• L.I.F.E. (SEND Provision) Specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision offering personalised learning programmes including Springfield, Supportive Learning, and Foundation into Vocation, targeted at students with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Training & Development (Employer Services) Employer-focused training services including Apprenticeships for Employers, Industry Advantage scheme, free skills audits, CITB Test Centre for CSCS cards, and professional development courses, delivered to local and regional businesses.
• Student Accommodation On-campus residential accommodation for students at the St Albans campus, providing housing for further and higher education students.

Quantifiable outcome

• Apprenticeship completers earn on average £100,000 more over their careers compared to those without apprenticeships (University of Sheffield, 2007)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Recovery InccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 January 2026New on-campus partnership bringing professional physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and performance services directly onto campus for Oaklands Wolves athletes, students, staff, and the local community.
• Home Builders Federation (HBF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 September 2025Partnering as part of the CITB-funded 'Partner a College' programme, a two-year national pilot to boost job-ready skills in construction.
• Brocket HallcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025New partnership with one of the UK's most distinguished golf venues to deliver the Oaklands Wolves Golf Academy.
• Goods for GoodcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2025Official charity partner for 2025-2026. Watford-based crisis response charity, with student-led Packathon events and ongoing collaboration.
• Crown Golf Group LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking with Oaklands College as apprenticeship employer partner. Partnership has created real opportunities for new talent with positive impact on both organisation and greenkeepers completing Golf Greenkeeping qualifications.
• BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs one of BBIGGA/GTC's Approved Training Providers, Oaklands College delivers high-quality, industry-relevant training in greenkeeping, sportsturf and wider land-based sectors.
• AirbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with apprentices successfully placed in engineering and manufacturing roles across the UK, contributing to real-world projects while working toward industry-recognised qualifications.
• Coca-ColaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApprenticeship employer partner for workforce development programmes.
• Watford FCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApprenticeship employer partner for workforce development programmes.
• Royal AscotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApprenticeship employer partner for workforce development programmes.
• Saracens Rugby ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports academy partner providing elite coaching alongside academic study. Saracens Men's Rugby Academy and Women's Rugby Academy based at Oaklands College with pathway to professional rugby.
• Willmott DixonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner supporting cross-college aviary project for new owl Bumblebee.
• England BasketballcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports academy partner providing professional coaching and pathways for basketball student-athletes.
• Arsenal Women's FCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports academy partner providing elite coaching alongside academic study for women's football.
• University of HertfordshirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partnership offering University of Hertfordshire degree programmes at Oaklands College.
• BBC StudiosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGuest speaker from BBC Studios inspiring students at Welwyn Garden City Campus with insight into careers within media and creative industries.
• SIASminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering apprenticeship sponsorship partnership enhancing the complete apprentice journey beyond endpoint assessment.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hartpury College: Gloucestershire-based FE and HE institution with a renowned elite sports academy (Hartpury Sport) and land-based specialisms. Highly comparable to Oaklands in combining vocational FE with elite athlete development and major employer partnerships.
• Loughborough College: FE college in the East Midlands with strong sports focus and academies; comparable operating model to Oaklands as a further education college offering A Levels, vocational programmes, and sports pathways.
• Myerscough College: Lancashire-based land-based and sports FE college offering agriculture, sport, and animal management programmes. Directly comparable in land-based specialisms and integrated sports academy proposition.
• Reaseheath College: Cheshire-based FE college with land-based, animal management, and sports programmes. Operates a similar portfolio to Oaklands in land-based vocational education and competitive sports pathways.
• Sparsholt College: Hampshire-based FE college with land-based, animal management, and sport specialisms. Comparable single-region FE college model with strong vocational and apprenticeship offering.
• Plumpton College: Sussex-based land-based FE college offering agriculture, animal management, and vocational programmes. Comparable regional FE college structure with land-based curriculum focus.
• Capel Manor College: London-focused land-based FE college specialising in animal management, horticulture, and related vocational programmes. Comparable land-based curriculum and FE funding model.
• Writtle University College: Essex-based HE institution with land-based, animal, and sport specialisms. Comparable portfolio with degree-level provision and vocational further education programmes.

Broad incumbents

• University of Hertfordshire: Regional university partner offering degree pathways that Oaklands students can articulate into. Broader HE provider but operates as a degree-awarding partner within Oaklands' higher education offering.

Regional players

• Activate Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship training provider operating in the Hertfordshire region. Adjacent competitor for apprenticeship employer relationships and adult skills training market in Oaklands' catchment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oaklandscollege

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oaklands College