Knowsley Community College

What Knowsley Community College does

Knowsley Community College is a UK Further Education institution operating as part of a merged entity with St Helens College since 2017, when the two colleges combined to form one of the largest FE providers in Northwest England. The college delivers vocational BTEC qualifications (Levels 1-3), two-year T Levels with industry placements, more than 50 apprenticeship standards, adult education including English, Maths, and ESOL, and higher education through University Centre St Helens in affiliation with the University of Chester, Liverpool John Moores University, and the University of Central Lancashire. It operates a four-campus footprint spanning Huyton (main campus and the £32 million Stockbridge Lane facility), St Helens Town Centre, the IAMTech Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, and the STEM Centre/Technology Campus, alongside community-based delivery in Kirkby.

The college's technology footprint centers on industry-standard specialist facilities rather than proprietary platforms: IAMTech houses a simulated lean manufacturing environment with VRTEX 360 virtual welding, CAD suites with 3D printing, FARO ARM metrology, and CNC machines; a Hospital Simulation Ward supports health programs; and commercial salons, a film studio, and 24/7 library digital resources (EBSCO Discovery, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite, MyiLibrary) round out provision. Standard educational SaaS integrations include Unifrog for careers guidance, the MyDay student/staff portal, and Office 365.

Revenue is generated primarily through Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) grants for 16-18 full-time learners, apprenticeship co-investment from the Liverpool City Region combined authority with employer contributions, tuition fees via University Centre St Helens, Adult Learner Loans for ages 19+, and transaction-based facility hire (sports halls, dance studios, classrooms) plus hair and beauty salon services. The institution is regulated by Ofsted, holds Silver Investors in Diversity accreditation, and is led by CEO and Principal Simon Pierce. No private equity or third-party ownership structure is indicated.

Name

Knowsley Community College

Legal name

Knowsley Community College

Website

https://knowsleycollege.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Knowsley Community College is a UK Further Education college delivering vocational courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, adult education, and higher education across four campuses in Knowsley and St Helens, primarily funded through government grants and employer apprenticeship partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further Education and Vocational Training

NAICS

Junior Colleges (6112), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Community Colleges (Applied/CTE-Focused) (EDAHADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Community Colleges (EDAHADAA), Transfer/University-Parallel Community Colleges (EDAHADAF)

Keywords

• Further education
• Vocational training
• T Level programmes
• Apprenticeship delivery
• Adult education

Headquarters

HQ city

Liverpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Education (16-18 Students): Core funding from Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for full-time students aged 16-18. Funding arrangements comply with statutory responsibilities under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.
2. Adult Education Funding: Government-funded and loan-funded programs for adult learners including 19+ Advanced Learner Loans for vocational qualifications.
3. Apprenticeship Funding: Funding from Liverpool City Region for apprenticeship programs across 50+ standards offered, with employer co-investment.
4. Higher Education Fees: Tuition fees for University Centre St Helens degree and professional programs affiliated with Chester University, LJMU, and UCLan.
5. Facility Hire: Commercial hire of campus facilities including sports hall, all-weather pitch, dance studios, and classrooms to community.
6. Hair and Beauty Salon Services: Professional hairdressing and beauty therapy services provided by trainee therapists at subsidized rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Knowsley Community College is a UK Further Education college delivering vocational courses (BTEC/National Diploma Levels 1-3), T Levels, 50+ apprenticeship standards, adult education (English, Maths, ESOL), and higher education degrees. The college operates four campuses across Knowsley and St Helens and is funded primarily by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). It also offers commercial services including hair and beauty salon treatments and facility hire.

Product overview

Knowsley Community College operates as part of a merged entity with St Helens College (following 2017 merger), offering a broad and inclusive curriculum across four campuses. The core educational offering consists of vocational BTEC/National Diploma programmes (Levels 1-3), T Levels (two-year technical qualifications with industry placements), and over 50 apprenticeship standards spanning sectors including accounting, engineering, construction, electrical, and business administration. The college provides adult education including English, Maths, ESOL, and vocational courses with flexible/hybrid learning options. University Centre St Helens delivers higher education in partnership with three universities (Chester, LJMU, UCLan). Supporting services include dedicated safeguarding and mental health teams, library services with extensive digital resources, and comprehensive financial support packages including free transport and meals. Commercial services open to the public include hair and beauty salons and facility hire. The IAMTech campus provides specialist manufacturing technology facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• University Centre St Helens: Higher education provision affiliated with partner universities including University of Chester, Liverpool John Moores University, and University of Central Lancashire.
• IAMTech

Products and services

• Vocational Courses (BTEC/National Diploma)

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% BTEC pass rate with many Level 3 programs achieving 100%
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BAE SystemscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 August 2025Aerospace and defense company offering degree apprenticeship to high-achieving computing student Harry (D*D*D* grades) for Aerospace Software Degree Apprenticeship starting September.
• Merseyside PoliceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 2025Law enforcement agency providing cyber challenge competition opportunities for computing and IT students to test skills and explore potential careers in cyber intelligence.
• Liverpool Hope UniversitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 August 2025University partner accepting college students for higher education study. Student Alex progressed from Level 3 Early Years (A* grade) to Primary Early Years Education degree program.
• Edge Hill UniversitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 August 2025University partner accepting college students for higher education. Student Charlotte progressed from Level 3 Early Years (A grade) to Primary Early Years Education degree program.
• University of Central LancashirecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 August 2025University partner accepting high-achieving student Niamh (D*D*D* in Applied Science) for Dentistry program after completing Level 3 studies.
• Sanko GoseicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 February 2025Manufacturing company offering tool making apprenticeships. Robert, a Production Operator for 10 years, upskilled through apprenticeship program within his current employer, developing new skills and career path in injection moulding environment.
• Knowsley CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 July 2024Partnership to maintain educational presence and enhance offer in Kirkby following college's move from Cherryfield Drive. Collaboration with Council's Family and Community Education (FACE) service to deliver courses at community centers making learning more accessible to residents.
• Shaping CloudminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 April 2024Manchester-based IT company employing former college IT graduates. Former student Jamie now works as Senior Engineer after completing Digital Forensics degree and IT/Marketing placement. Company provides career insights for current students.
• Beyond TrustminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 April 2024Software development company employing former college IT student Tom as Senior Administrator. Tom progressed through IT apprenticeship with Lloyds IP, advancing to Technical Services Agent, First Line IT Engineer, and Endpoint Systems Administrator roles.
• Liverpool John Moores UniversitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 April 2024University partner through University Centre St Helens offering access to LJMU libraries, electronic resources, book loans, postal loans, research support, and referencing guides for affiliated students.
• VibeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2024Charitable organization delivering Total Action program as part of National Citizen Service (NCS) for Public and Uniform Services students. Three-day program testing mental and physical capabilities with collaborative learning challenges.
• Ripstone GamesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2024UK games developer and publisher providing hands-on workshop sessions for Games, Animation and VFX students with support on final year projects.
• NextGen Skills AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2024Course partner for Games, Animation and VFX programs providing industry connections and workshop opportunities alongside Ripstone Games. Organizes competitions including Move Your Elf challenge.
• Sparks MagazineminorOthers · 7 February 2024Organization hosting Female Spark of the Year competition for electrical and construction trades. Chelsie was endorsed for the competition as first female apprentice at Tyrrell Electrical.
• MurphycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 February 2024Leading international engineering and construction company employing over 300 apprentices company-wide. Currently oversees six AAT Accounting apprentices enrolled at the college. Murphy significantly invests in apprenticeships with dedicated time for training, coaching, and mentoring.
• St Helens CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2024Local authority partnership for Supported Internship Programme supporting young people aged 16-18 with Educational Healthcare Plans to gain valuable work experience. Hayden progressed from internship to Business Administration Apprenticeship.
• University of ChestercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024University partner through University Centre St Helens providing access to Chester Campus Libraries including Warrington Campus, online resources, library loans, subject support, and information services helpdesk.
• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024University partner through University Centre St Helens providing access to UCLan libraries, online resources, Valnow book service, journal article photocopies, and subject-specific resources including reading lists.
• Tyrrell ElectricalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Five-year partnership with Tyrrell Electrical bringing on over 15 apprentices, many progressing to supervisory and managerial roles. Chelsie became first female apprentice at Tyrrell Electrical. Apprentices complete off-the-job training at IAMTech campus one day per week.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bolton College: Northwest England FE college offering T Levels, vocational programmes, apprenticeships, and higher education with similar scale and breadth of provision. Comparable on demographics and applied learning focus.
• Hugh Baird College: Merseyside-based FE college in Southport/Bootle offering A Levels, vocational qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education. Comparable size and demographic focus on Northwest England learners.
• City of Liverpool College: Largest FE college in the Liverpool City Region offering vocational courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education across multiple campuses. Directly comparable to Knowsley Community College on size, curriculum mix, and Liverpool-area employer engagement.
• Blackpool and The Fylde College: Lancashire-based FE college providing vocational, T Level, apprenticeship, and HE provision to a similar demographic in Northwest England. Comparable institutional size and mission.
• Wirral Metropolitan College: Birkenhead-based FE college offering vocational, technical, apprenticeship, and higher education courses to Wirral and Merseyside learners. Direct geographic and curricular peer to Knowsley Community College.
• Riverside College (Riverside College Halton): Widnes-based FE college serving the Liverpool City Region with vocational, apprenticeship, and HE provision. Comparable scale and mission around technical/applied learning for the same regional catchment.
• Preston College: Lancashire-based FE college providing T Levels, apprenticeships, vocational, and HE programmes with technical specialisms. Comparable scale and applied learning focus in Northwest England.
• Wigan and Leigh College: Greater Manchester FE college with similar curriculum mix of T Levels, apprenticeships, vocational courses, and HE. Comparable scale and broad inclusive mission for an industrial Northwest catchment.
• Cheshire College - South & West: Multi-campus FE college serving Cheshire and surrounding areas with vocational, T Level, apprenticeship, and HE programmes. Adjacent catchment and similar institutional scale.

Broad incumbents

• The Manchester College (LTE Group): Largest FE college in Greater Manchester offering an extensive portfolio across vocational, apprenticeship, and HE provision. Larger incumbent operating in the same Northwest England FE market with broader geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/knowsleycollege
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KnowsleyCollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/knowsleycollege
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knowsley-community-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/knowsleycollege

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 Knowsley Community College