North Herts College
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersHitchin, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
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.
North Herts College firmographics
Firmographics- 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
North Herts College industry classification
Industry- 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
Where North Herts College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hitchin
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
North Herts College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | Free courses for eligible adult learners |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Advanced Learner Loan-funded courses |
| Other | Annual | Standard course fees (not publicly disclosed) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
North Herts College product offering
Product offeringCore 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.
Companies that use North Herts College
Customer profileNamed customers22 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
North Herts College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
North Herts College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- British AirwayscoreBritish 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.
- RyanaircoreRyanair is listed as an employer partner providing career pathways and industry connections for Travel & Tourism students at NHC.
- TUIcoreTUI 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 & ResortscoreMarriott Hotels & Resorts is an employer partner providing work experience and career pathways for Hospitality & Catering students at NHC.
- Travel CounsellorsminorTravel Counsellors is an employer partner for Travel & Tourism career pathways, providing industry exposure and potential employment routes.
- Signature TravelminorSignature Travel is an employer partner providing work experience opportunities for Travel & Tourism students.
- J.A.R.E. Airline Training PartnershipminorJ.A.R.E. Airline Training Partnership provides airline-specific training connections and industry knowledge for Travel & Tourism students.
- Menzies AviationminorMenzies Aviation is an employer partner providing ground handling and airport operations experience for Travel & Tourism students.
- Hotel CromwellminorHotel 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)minorBMW showroom in Stevenage provides Business students with inner workings presentations and facility tours to illustrate business operations in practice.
- ElectrassurecoreElectrassure 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.
- BambuubrushcoreAward-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.
- WentacoreWenta 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 TrustminorStevenage 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)minorWickes Stevenage branch supports the NHC Community Allotment Project by providing materials and expertise for the student allotment at Stevenage campus.
- North Herts CouncilminorNorth Herts Council Community Grant and Councillors Locality Budget provided funding for the Big Draw Festival community event at Hitchin Campus.
- Identity Dance SchoolminorStevenage-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 AcademyminorRoebuck 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 CouncilcoreLynne 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 TechcoreCentury 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
North Herts College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
North Herts College social profiles
Digital presenceNorth Herts College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
North Herts College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
North Herts College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
North Herts College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
North Herts College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about North Herts College
What does North Herts College do?
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.
Is North Herts College a public or private company?
North Herts College is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was North Herts College founded?
North Herts College was founded in 1989. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is North Herts College based?
North Herts College is headquartered in Hitchin, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does North Herts College make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government-Funded Further Education is the primary driver. The others are course Tuition Fees, apprenticeship Delivery and commercial Facilities and Services.
Who are North Herts College's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Hugh Baird College, South Thames College, Newham College of Further Education, Capel Manor College, Oaklands College, Cambridge Regional College, Barnet and Southgate College, Westminster Kingsway College, Peterborough College and Hertford Regional College.
Does North Herts College have an API?
No public API is recorded for North Herts College.
What industry is North Herts College in?
North Herts College's product category is Further Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHADAE, Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce), with a secondary code of EDAHADAD, Technical Community Colleges (Applied/CTE-Focused). Its NAICS code is 6112 and its SIC code is 8200.