North Herts College

What North Herts College does

North Hertfordshire College (NHC) is a further education college established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and operating as an exempt charity under the Charities Act 2011. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, the college operates across three campuses (Hitchin, Stevenage, and the Engineering & Construction Campus) and serves 16-18 school leavers, adult learners, apprentices, and university-level students across Hertfordshire. The college's product portfolio spans vocational courses in 16 subject areas, T Level qualifications (equivalent to three A Levels with mandatory 45-day industry placements), apprenticeships delivered through Hart Learning & Development, Access to Higher Education diplomas, Foundation Degrees, and Higher National Diplomas, supplemented by SEND programmes including the Springboard autism provision and Outstanding-graded Additional Learning Support.

NHC's technology stack centres on the Century Tech AI-powered personalised learning platform for English and maths (adaptive nugget-based content with national leaderboards), the SITEC Innovation and Technology Centre featuring virtual reality simulation for work-based training, and industry-standard facilities including mock hospital wards, training restaurants (The Meadows), a professional hair and beauty salon (The Retreat), and IMI-accredited electric vehicle training bays. The college's business model relies on government-funded further education grants for 16-18 learners, apprenticeship levy and government contributions routed through Hart Learning & Development, Advanced Learner Loans for eligible adults, and commercial revenue from public-facing facilities. Revenue is further augmented by employer partnerships with major brands including British Airways, Ryanair, TUI, Marriott, BMW, IMI, Electrassure, and PWC providing work experience, guaranteed interviews, and apprenticeship pathways. The college is governed by a Group Board under the Hart Learning Group umbrella, led by Principal and CEO Kit Davies, and is Ofsted-graded Good overall (with Outstanding SEND provision) as of November 2023.

Name

North Herts College

Legal name

North Hertfordshire College

Website

https://nhc.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

North Hertfordshire College is a UK further education college founded in 1989, operating three campuses in Hertfordshire and delivering vocational courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, and university-level qualifications to school leavers, adults, and SEND learners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further Education

NAICS

Junior Colleges (6112), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

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

Keywords

• Further education
• Vocational training
• T Level qualifications
• Apprenticeship programs
• Adult learning courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Hitchin

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Further Education: Core revenue from government funding for 16-18 learners and eligible adult learners. NHC is a further education college operating under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
2. Course Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for adult learners, with many courses free for those on low income, receiving state benefits, or unemployed. Advanced Learner Loans available for eligible students.
3. Apprenticeship Delivery: Apprenticeship programmes delivered through Hart Learning & Development, funded via the apprenticeship levy and government contributions. Covers Clinical and Social Care, Professional Services, Leadership and Management, Education, Construction and Motor Vehicle sectors.
4. Commercial Facilities and Services: Revenue-generating commercial operations including The Meadows training restaurant open to the public, and The Retreat professional hair and beauty salon at Hitchin campus.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

North Hertfordshire College is a Further Education college offering vocational courses, T Level qualifications, apprenticeships, adult learner programmes, Access to Higher Education diplomas, and university-level study (Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas). It delivers education through campus-based provision in Hitchin and Stevenage, with industry-standard facilities including a training restaurant, hair and beauty salon, sports hub, mock hospital wards, and EV training centres, supported by employer partnerships across travel, hospitality, automotive, and healthcare sectors.

Product overview

North Hertfordshire College offers a comprehensive further and higher education portfolio centered around vocational courses and qualifications. The core offering consists of 16+ Learner Courses spanning 16 subject areas (Business, Computing, Construction, Creative Industries, Education, ESOL, Hairdressing, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Motor Vehicle, Protective Services, Science, Sports, Travel & Tourism), supplemented by T Levels (new two-year technical qualifications), Apprenticeships through Hart Learning & Development, Adult Learner Courses, Access to Higher Education pathways, and University-Level Study programs. The college operates specialized facilities including The Meadows restaurant, The Retreat hair and beauty salon, and the NHC Sports Hub. Additional support services include Outstanding-graded Additional Learning Support, Specialist SEND Programs, and the Springboard Autism program. Teaching and online professional development courses are also offered through Hart Learning & Development partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hart Learning & Development: Part of the Hart Learning Group offering apprenticeships and training services.
• Hart Schools Trust
• The Meadows
• The Retreat
• NHC Sports Hub
• College of Sanctuary

Products and services

• 16+ Learner Courses Full-time vocational courses for school leavers aged 16-18, combining industry-experienced tutors, work experience opportunities, and GCSE maths/English resits where needed. Subjects span Business, Computing, Construction, Creative Industries, Education, ESOL, Hairdressing, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Motor Vehicle, Protective Services, Science, Sports, and Travel & Tourism.
• T Levels Two-year technical qualifications developed with employers, equivalent to three A levels, carrying UCAS tariff points with a minimum 45-day industrial placement component. Available at the Hitchin and Stevenage campuses with refurbished T Level facilities including mock hospital ward, nutrition suite, training independent living space, digital suites, health laboratory, and a dedicated employer zone.
• Apprenticeships Earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship programmes offered through Hart Learning & Development, covering Clinical and Social Care, Professional Services, Leadership and Management, Education, Construction, and Motor Vehicle sectors. Programmes range from intermediate to higher level, funded via the apprenticeship levy and government contributions.
• Adult Learner Courses Part-time courses for adult learners seeking career changes, professional skill development, or hobby pursuits. Many courses are free for those on low income, receiving state benefits, or who are unemployed, with Advanced Learner Loans and flexible payment plans available for eligible learners.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma programmes designed for adult learners who lack standard qualifications for degree-level courses, providing structured pathways into university-level study, including Access to HE Nursing & Midwifery programmes that have enabled progression to institutions such as King's College London.
• University-Level Courses Degree-level qualifications including Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas offered at the college, available through UCAS Clearing for students seeking degree-equivalent qualifications closer to home.
• Professional Teaching Qualifications Teaching qualifications delivered at Stevenage Campus including the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills), and the Diploma for the Early Years Workforce. Advanced Learner Loans are available for eligible adult learners.
• Online Learning Courses Fully-funded and online professional development courses offered through Hart Learning & Development, including Certificate in SEND, Mental Health First Aider, Safeguarding training, and Understanding EYFS.
• The Meadows Restaurant A contemporary training restaurant at Hitchin Campus serving high-quality food where students design, prepare, and serve menus to staff, students, and the general public under the direction of expert tutors.
• The Retreat North Hertfordshire College's professional hair and beauty training salon based at Hitchin Campus, providing an industry-standard environment for trainee therapists and stylists to develop skills while offering luxurious treatments to customers.
• NHC Sports Hub Sports facilities at Hitchin Campus offering community football, badminton, and gym facilities, open to community sports teams and individuals.
• Additional Learning Support (ALS) Outstanding-graded provision (Ofsted 2023) helping students achieve learning goals through various support methods inside and outside the classroom. Designed to enable students with diverse support needs to succeed in their chosen programmes.
• Specialist SEND Programmes Programmes designed for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities who require discrete special educational needs provision and additional support within a tailored learning environment.
• Springboard Programme A full-time course for school leavers diagnosed with or exhibiting traits of Autism, providing support, knowledge, skills and confidence for independence and employment.

Named customers22 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• British AirwayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritish Airways provides Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP) Awareness Day training for Level 3 Travel & Tourism students, linked to the NCFE Cabin Crew qualification. Students develop practical aviation safety skills directly with airline staff.
• RyanaircoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRyanair is listed as an employer partner providing career pathways and industry connections for Travel & Tourism students at NHC.
• TUIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTUI provides guaranteed interview opportunities for Travel & Tourism students alongside other major travel brands. TUI is one of the world's leading travel companies offering diverse career pathways.
• Marriott Hotels & ResortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarriott Hotels & Resorts is an employer partner providing work experience and career pathways for Hospitality & Catering students at NHC.
• Travel CounsellorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTravel Counsellors is an employer partner for Travel & Tourism career pathways, providing industry exposure and potential employment routes.
• Signature TravelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignature Travel is an employer partner providing work experience opportunities for Travel & Tourism students.
• J.A.R.E. Airline Training PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJ.A.R.E. Airline Training Partnership provides airline-specific training connections and industry knowledge for Travel & Tourism students.
• Menzies AviationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMenzies Aviation is an employer partner providing ground handling and airport operations experience for Travel & Tourism students.
• Hotel CromwellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHotel Cromwell, a historic Stevenage Old Town hotel, provides customer service unit experience for Level 3 Travel & Tourism students through events manager presentations and site tours.
• BMW (Stevenage Showroom)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMW showroom in Stevenage provides Business students with inner workings presentations and facility tours to illustrate business operations in practice.
• ElectrassurecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElectrassure supports the development of electric vehicle training at the Engineering and Construction Campus, providing staff CPD opportunities, electric vehicle charging knowledge across Electrical Installation courses, and greater equipment for students and staff.
• BambuubrushcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning sustainability company collaborating with Travel and Tourism and Business students to design and create reusable mugs and bottles. Students researched environmental issues and pitched product designs. Products were sold to staff and students with proceeds going to the college's charity of the year.
• WentacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWenta delivered Action Zero Academy Carbon Literacy training for NHC staff as part of the college's Net Zero sustainability strategy. Wenta supports sustainable economic development across Hertfordshire with 40 years of activity.
• Stevenage Community TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStevenage Community Trust collaborates on the NHC Community Allotment Project at Stevenage campus, supporting learners across curriculum areas with sustainability and self-sufficiency knowledge.
• Wickes (Stevenage)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWickes Stevenage branch supports the NHC Community Allotment Project by providing materials and expertise for the student allotment at Stevenage campus.
• North Herts CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Herts Council Community Grant and Councillors Locality Budget provided funding for the Big Draw Festival community event at Hitchin Campus.
• Identity Dance SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStevenage-based dance school teaching all ages in all styles, Identity Dance worked with Level 2 Travel & Tourism students to plan and rehearse dance performances and workshops for primary school children as part of their entertainment industry unit.
• Roebuck AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoebuck Academy Primary School partners with NHC for student dance workshops, community projects, and the NHC Community Allotment Project where NHC students help the school establish its own allotment.
• Hertfordshire County CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLynne Ceeney, Director of Environmental Sustainability for Hertfordshire County Council, delivered a keynote at NHC's All-Staff Summer Conference on the council's Net Zero plans, bringing climate change concepts closer to home for NHC staff.
• Century TechcoreTechnology or IntegrationCentury Tech is an AI-powered online learning platform providing personalised nugget-based learning materials, quizzes, and assessments in English and maths. The platform adapts to each student's learning patterns and feeds into national college leaderboards.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Hugh Baird College: Merseyside-based further education college offering vocational, T Level and apprenticeship programmes to 16-18 and adult learners. Comparable institution type and occupationally-focused model.
• South Thames College: South London further education college providing vocational, T Level and apprenticeship pathways. Comparable in scale and curriculum mix to NHC, with similar employer-partnership-led design.
• Newham College of Further Education: East London further education college offering vocational, T Level and apprenticeship programmes to a diverse learner population. Similar scale, broad curriculum portfolio and College of Sanctuary-equivalent inclusion remit.
• Capel Manor College: London-based further education college with a specialist vocational mix and multiple campuses. Comparable in operating model to NHC's multi-site, occupationally focused delivery.
• Oaklands College: UK further education college based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, offering vocational, T Level, apprenticeship and adult learning programmes across multiple campuses. Closest direct competitor to NHC in the Hertfordshire catchment, with overlapping curriculum and employer footprint.
• Cambridge Regional College: Large further education college in Cambridgeshire offering vocational, T Level, apprenticeship and higher education programmes. Similar scale and employer-partnership operating model to NHC.
• Barnet and Southgate College: London further education college offering A Level, vocational, T Level and apprenticeship pathways to 16-18 and adult learners. Comparable size and curriculum mix to NHC, with direct overlap in north London / Hertfordshire border market.
• Westminster Kingsway College: Central London further education college with strong hospitality, catering and vocational specialisms including training restaurants. Highly comparable to NHC's The Meadows / Hospitality & Catering proposition.
• Peterborough College: Part of the Inspire Education Group, Peterborough College offers further education, T Levels, apprenticeships and higher education. Competes with NHC for East of England adult learners and apprenticeship levy contracts.
• Hertford Regional College: Further education college serving the Hertfordshire region with full-time vocational, T Level and apprenticeship provision. Operates in the same geographic market and competes directly for 16-18 and adult learners.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/n_hertscollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/northhertscollege
• Instagraminstagram.com/northhertscollege
• TikToktiktok.com/@northhertscollege

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

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 North Herts College