Portland College

What Portland College does

Portland College, formally Portland Charity (registered charity no. 214339), is a specialist further education college and multi-service disability provider headquartered on a 32-acre campus in Sherwood Forest, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Founded in 1949-50 and operating across eight campuses and Pathways hubs in Nottinghamshire (Mansfield, Nottingham, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Worksop, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Newark, and Wollaton Park), the organisation delivers further education, day services, independent living programmes, specialist alternative provision (Pollyteach, ages 11-18), short-break respite, and a private autism/ADHD diagnostic service (Portland Assessments). Its core clientele are young adults aged 18-25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) — including those with autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and complex needs — alongside adults accessing Portland Pathways employment and mental health support in partnership with NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust and Jobcentre Plus.

The core educational product portfolio includes Further Education vocational programmes, Independent Living (anchored by the in-house developed Maples SMARTHome with voice-activated environmental controls), the Donkey-Assisted Therapy programme (winner of the 2026 Natspec Innovation Award), and the newly redeveloped Newstart Theatre and Sports Hall (£1.2m fundraising campaign). Commercial operations — the Portland Coffee Shop, Venue Hire, Woodland Adventure Zone, and Physio/Hydrotherapy — simultaneously provide real-work placements for learners and generate surplus that is reinvested into charitable activities. Portland holds an Ofsted Outstanding rating across every category (Jan 2023), National Autistic Society Advanced Accreditation (Centre of Excellence for Autism), and a CQC Good rating.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across five streams: (1) statutory EHCP funding from local authorities for FE programmes, (2) NHS and government employment-services contracts through Portland Pathways, (3) charitable donations and corporate gifts (e.g., Capita laptops valued at £35,000-£40,000, Amazon £3,500), (4) commercial venue/coffee shop income, and (5) private diagnostic fees from Portland Assessments. The organisation served 281 FE learners in 2024-25 (12% YoY growth), achieved 94% accredited qualification completion, supported 114 Pathways job starts, and operates with 251-500 employees under the leadership of Group CEO Dr Mark Dale (CEO since 2006).

Name

Portland College

Legal name

Portland Charity

Website

https://portland.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Portland College (Portland Charity) is a specialist further education college and registered charity providing vocational education, independent living, employment, and diagnostic services for people with disabilities across Nottinghamshire, UK, primarily funded through Education, Health and Care Plans and NHS contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education and Disability Support Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (62134)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

College Readiness & Disability Services Transition Support (EDAKANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

School Transition & Independent Living Skills (OT) (EDAKAFAK), Related Therapy Services (Speech, Occupational, Physical, Feeding) (EDAJAKAD), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

Keywords

• Specialist further education
• Disability support services
• Independent living training
• Employment support programmes
• Mental health services

Headquarters

HQ city

Mansfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-funded Education: Funding from local authorities and government bodies for learners with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Primary revenue stream supporting further education programs.
2. Charitable Donations and Fundraising: Donations from individuals, businesses, and charitable trusts supporting the charity's mission. Includes laptop donations (Capita £35,000-£40,000), cash donations (Amazon £3,500), and in-kind support.
3. Commercial Operations: Revenue from Portland Coffee Shop (open to public), venue hire, Newstart Theatre bookings, and commercial activities. All profits reinvested into the charity.
4. Employment Services Contracts: Contracted services through Portland Pathways providing employment support, mental health courses, and counselling, partially funded through NHS partnership and government employment programs.
5. Short Breaks and Day Services: Respite care and day services for adults with disabilities, funded through personal budgets and local authority contracts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Portland College is a registered charity and specialist further education provider delivering day and residential further education, day services, independent living skills training, mental health counselling, and employment support (Portland Pathways) to people with disabilities across Nottinghamshire. It also operates specialist alternative provision (Pollyteach) for 11-18 year olds, private autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments (Portland Assessments), short break respite services, and commercial leisure facilities (Newstart Theatre, Portland Coffee Shop, Woodland Adventure Zone, venue hire) that fund and reinforce its educational mission.

Product overview

Portland College operates as a specialist further education charity providing a coordinated portfolio of educational, support, and commercial services for people with disabilities. The core offering consists of Further Education programmes, Day Services, Independent Living, Portland Pathways (mental health and employment support), and Pollyteach (alternative provision for ages 11-18). These are supported by specialist initiatives including the Centre of Excellence for Autism, Maples SMARTHome (assistive technology for independent living), and the Donkey-Assisted Therapy programme. Commercial operations including Newstart Theatre and Sports Hall, Portland Coffee Shop, Woodland Adventure Zone, and Venue Hire generate revenue while providing real-work experience for learners. The organisation has expanded geographically with Portland @ Wollaton Park campus in Nottingham and multiple Portland Pathways hubs across Nottinghamshire.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Further Education
• Day Services Activity-based day programmes for adults with disabilities, offering a fun activity timetable to help learners develop new skills, socialise, and engage with their community.
• Independent Living Programme teaching learners to live more independently on campus, using the Maples SMARTHome assistive technology facility, preparing them for transition into independent future living arrangements.
• Portland Pathways Mental health and employment support service offering training, counselling, and guidance to help people with disabilities find employment. Includes Recovery College courses in partnership with NHS and 1:1 counselling services. Delivered from five community hubs across Nottinghamshire.
• Pollyteach Specialist Alternative Provision for 11-18 year olds who are not engaged with mainstream education, delivered in partnership with Pollyteach School.
• Short Breaks Residential short break services offering people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy activities away from home while developing new skills, providing respite for families and caregivers.
• Portland Assessments Private autism and ADHD assessment service providing diagnostic evaluations for individuals seeking to understand whether they or their children have autism or ADHD.
• Portland Progress Transitional programme helping learners take the next step from college into employment for those not yet ready for the workplace.
• Centre of Excellence for Autism Specialist autism provision recognised through the National Autistic Society's Advanced Accreditation, the highest level possible, making Portland a national centre of excellence for learners with Autism.
• Newstart Theatre and Sports Hall State-of-the-art accessible theatre and sports facility featuring an interactive LED sports flooring system, retractable seating, and LED floor lighting, used for Boccia, basketball, inclusive sports, theatre performances, and Friday Club Night community events.
• Portland Coffee Shop Public coffee shop providing real-life hospitality and catering work experience for learners, open Monday-Saturday with indoor and outdoor seating, featuring 200 Degrees hand-roasted coffee and a dog-friendly outdoor area. All profits reinvested into the charity.
• Woodland Adventure Zone Fully accessible outdoor adventure zone set in Sherwood Forest featuring a 7-metre accessible climbing wall, bike trail, and team building activities for learners and public bookings.
• Venue Hire and Team Days Corporate event and venue hire services for conferences, team building activities, and celebrations, available evenings and weekends at the Newstart Theatre, Woodland Adventure Zone, and other campus venues.
• Physio and Hydrotherapy Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy services supporting learner health and wellbeing as part of the Centre of Excellence for Health and Wellbeing.
• Portland @ Wollaton Park City learning programmes based at Wollaton Park in Nottingham offering horticulture, grounds maintenance, and trade skills programmes for learners aged 18-24 with EHCPs, restoring the historic walled garden as part of the curriculum.
• Maples SMARTHome Innovative independent living skills facility using voice-activated technology (Alexa, Google, Bixby) to enable learners to control lighting, appliances, and home systems, enhancing independence for people with disabilities.
• Donkey-Assisted Therapy Programme Equine-assisted therapy programme employing a trained Equine Therapist to support learners who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or behavioural challenges, helping them develop resilience and communication skills.
• Friday Club Night Weekly evening social event held in the Newstart Theatre providing inclusive entertainment, dancing, and social activities for people with disabilities.
• Pines Residential Accommodation Newly opened residential provision providing accommodation for learners who live further away from the main Mansfield campus.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% overall achievement rate for accredited qualifications
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, notable, flagship, significant and minor.

• CapitacoreTechnology or Integration · 10 June 2026Long-term partnership with Capita providing digital support. Received donation of 100 laptops valued at £35,000-£40,000 supporting digital strategy and learning. Includes staff training, AI support, and work placement opportunities for learners.
• SENSE CollegenotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2026E-Sports collaboration hosting inter-college gaming tournament. Strengthened partnership between Portland and SENSE with future online tournaments and collaborative opportunities planned.
• Nimbus DisabilityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2026Sponsors Portland Games for third year through Access Card programme. Vice Chair Mark Briggs PLY (former Paralympian) serves as Director of Partnerships. Access Card enables disabled people to access entertainment venues.
• Amazon (Sutton-in-Ashfield)significantGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 July 2023Amazon fulfilment centre donated £3,500 (£1,500 cash + £2,000 Alexa technology) and 50+ volunteering hours. Employees transformed outdoor garden and recreational space. Booked Woodland Adventure Zone for team building events.
• National Autistic SocietyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHolder of Advanced Accreditation - highest level for autism provision. Portland recognised as Centre of Excellence for Autism.
• Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecovery College partnership delivering mental health courses. Enables people to improve mental health and access 1:1 counselling to overcome employment barriers.
• Wollaton Park (Nottingham City Council)notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Portland @ Wollaton Park city learning hub. Learners restore historic walled garden while gaining horticulture and construction skills.
• BootsnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerHR Director Ben Horner participated as guest speaker at Portland employability conference on employing disabled people.
• Lindhurst EngineeringnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO Martin Rigley spoke at employability conference. Provides employment opportunities and financial support to Pathways.
• East Midlands ChambernotableGTM or Marketing PartnerResources Director Lucy Robinson participated in employability conference panel. Chamber supports equality awards.
• Volunteer It Yourself (VIY)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganisation supporting young people to access live work opportunities in trades. Trade programme learners volunteering at Warsop Methodist Church through VIY.
• Toby CarveryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in mock interviews with learners as part of National Careers Week.
• Performance HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner conducting mock interviews with learners.
• Active4TodayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer partner conducting mock interviews with learners.
• ADS Independent Living SolutionsnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Smile Homes Independent Living Unit development.
• CAPO Lounge (Mansfield Café Bar)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted fundraising events raising £764 for Portland. Chef visited as guest speaker for hospitality learners.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• United Response: Disability charity providing employment support, personalisation, and supported living services for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs - directly comparable to Portland Pathways' employment and mental-health contracts.
• Hft: National charity supporting people with learning disabilities across supported living, day services and employment. Comparable to Portland's Day Services, Independent Living and Pathways portfolios but with a UK-wide footprint rather than Nottinghamshire-only focus.

Direct peers

• Treloar's College: Specialist further education and residential college in Hampshire for physically disabled young people aged 16-25. Highly comparable model: charity status, EHCP-funded places, residential provision, and a portfolio of therapy and independent-living services.
• Landmarks College: Specialist further education college in the Midlands for young adults with special educational needs, including vocational and independence pathways. Direct peer for Portland's FE offer in the same regional catchment.
• Derwen College: Specialist college in Shropshire for young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities offering vocational pathways, independence skills, and work-experience programmes - directly comparable to Portland's Further Education and Portland Progress offers.
• Ruskin Mill Trust: Specialist further education provider running practical, land-based and craft colleges for young people with additional learning needs. Closely comparable to Portland's vocational, horticulture and creative-arts curriculum.
• National Star College: Specialist further education college in Gloucestershire for young people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and acquired brain injuries - the closest direct analogue to Portland's specialist FE model, charity structure, and Ofsted-inspected provision.
• Camphill Communities: Network of intentional communities and colleges offering specialist education, training and supported living for people with learning disabilities and additional needs - closely mirrors Portland's residential, education and independence portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Mencap: National learning disability charity operating supported employment, day services and education advocacy. Overlaps with Portland's Day Services and employability proposition at greater scale but as a broader portfolio incumbent.
• SENSE: National disability charity operating specialist college services, employment support, and day services for people with complex disabilities. Already cited as Portland's E-Sports partner; broader service overlap makes it a meaningful incumbent peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/portland
• Facebookfacebook.com/portlandcollege
• Xx.com/PortlandCollege

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Portland College