What Northbrook College does

Northbrook College is a UK further, higher, and adult education institution headquartered in Worthing, West Sussex, operating two campuses: the West Durrington campus (creative arts, business, childcare, hospitality, general education) and the Shoreham Airport campus (aeronautical, automotive, and motorsport engineering). Founded in 1986 and operating as a subsidiary within the Chichester College Group alongside six other regional colleges, Northbrook delivers a portfolio spanning vocational BTECs, diplomas, T-Levels, apprenticeships, and BA (Hons) degrees validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL) and the University of Brighton. Its customer base covers school leavers (16-19), adult learners (19+), higher education students, international students, apprentices, and employer-sponsored workforce development clients. Northbrook holds dual Ofsted Outstanding ratings (2025) for apprenticeships and adult learning programmes, a TEF Silver award, and distinctive physical training assets including five college-owned aircraft, a professional theatre, over 20 music recording studios, a motorsport wind tunnel, and the Team Northbrook Racing student motorsport team.

The college operates on a hybrid revenue model combining fee-based programmes (international BA tuition at £16,500/year per student), government-funded apprenticeship Levy streams, free or subsidized adult education, and ancillary income from public-facing facilities (Arundel Restaurant, Northbrook Theatre, music studios, salon). Go-to-market is multi-channel: direct enrollment via website application and open events, school partnerships (Year 10/11 taster days), employer referral networks for apprenticeships, and digital marketing across LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. The underlying technology stack comprises Microsoft 365 for staff and students, CCG Online learning management, cloud-based application tracking, and a free online VRQ delivery platform for adult learners. The college is currently undergoing a portfolio restructuring with several vocational programmes (engineering apprenticeships, construction trades, childcare, uniformed services) being relocated to consolidated facilities across the Chichester College Group from September 2025, while introducing new offerings including Skills Bootcamps and a British Esports Association-endorsed Foundation Diploma.

Name

Northbrook College

Legal name

Northbrook College

Website

https://northbrook.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Northbrook College is a UK further and higher education institution operating two West Sussex campuses, delivering vocational courses, apprenticeships, T-Levels, and UAL/University of Brighton-validated degrees to school leavers, adults, apprentices, international students, and employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further and Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities (EDAHAEAF), Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

Keywords

• Further education courses
• Vocational training programs
• Higher education degrees
• Apprenticeship training
• Adult learning programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Worthing

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. International Student Tuition: International students pay tuition fees of £16,500 per year for BA (Hons) degree programs. Duration is 3 years with September start date.
2. Adult Education Course Fees: Adult learners (19+) pay course fees that vary by subject and level. Many courses are free or subsidized based on eligibility criteria including age, income, and employment status. Advanced Learner Loans available for Level 3+ courses.
3. Apprenticeship Funding: Apprenticeship programs are funded through government apprenticeship Levy schemes and employer contributions, with the college receiving funding based on apprenticeship achievement and retention.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Northbrook College is a Further and Higher Education institution that delivers vocational, technical, and academic courses from entry level through to undergraduate degree, alongside apprenticeships and adult education. Its core offerings include BTECs, diplomas, T Levels, and apprenticeships across more than a dozen subject areas, with BA (Hons) degrees validated by University of the Arts London (UAL) and University of Brighton in creative arts, theatre, music, and motorsport engineering.

Product overview

Northbrook College is a Further and Higher Education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of vocational and academic courses across multiple subject areas. The college provides vocational BTECs, diplomas, T Levels, and apprenticeships for school leavers and adults, as well as university-level degrees validated by University of the Arts London (UAL) and University of Brighton. Subject areas span Aircraft Maintenance, Art & Design, Business, Catering & Hospitality, Construction, Creative Media, Engineering, Games Development, Hairdressing & Beauty, Motor Vehicle & Motorsport, Music, Theatre & Performing Arts, and Uniformed Services. The college operates public facilities including the Northbrook Theatre, Arundel Restaurant, music studios, and a salon. Northbrook College is part of the Chichester College Group and holds Ofsted Outstanding ratings for apprenticeships and adult learning programmes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chichester College Group: The parent college group that Northbrook College is part of, along with other colleges including Brighton MET College, Brinsbury College, Chichester College, Crawley College, Worthing College, and Haywards Heath College.

Products and services

• Apprenticeships Work-based apprenticeship programmes at intermediate, advanced and higher levels across industries including construction, engineering, carpentry, and beauty. Apprentices earn wages while gaining recognised qualifications, with training delivered in partnership with employers and funded through Apprenticeship Levy schemes.
• T Levels Technical qualifications equivalent to three A-levels, combining 80% classroom learning with a minimum 45-day industry placement. Designed for school leavers as a vocational alternative to traditional A-Levels, leading to employment, apprenticeship, or university progression.
• Adult Education Courses Adult learning programmes including GCSEs, leisure courses, professional qualifications, and free online courses. Many courses are free or subsidised based on age, income, and employment status, with Advanced Learner Loans available for Level 3+ qualifications.
• Skills Bootcamps Intensive training programmes of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19+, including Multi-Trade Construction Skills Bootcamps with industry placement preparation. Government-funded to accelerate workforce upskilling.
• Free Online VRQ Courses Nationally recognised Vocational-Related Qualifications delivered online, covering business administration, healthcare, autism, and dementia care. Free for adults aged 19+ who have resided in the UK for three or more years.
• Professional Courses Professional qualification courses for adults covering accountancy, catering, construction, counselling, cyber security, hair & beauty, motor vehicle, and teaching. Targeted at working professionals seeking recognised industry credentials.
• BA (Hons) Creative Arts Degrees BA (Hons) undergraduate degrees in fashion, photography, illustration, fine art, and graphic design, validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). 3-year duration with September intake; international tuition £16,500 per year.
• BA (Hons) Music Degrees BA (Hons) undergraduate degrees in music business, music performance, and music production, taught in over 20 acoustically designed spaces at the Northbrook music studios.
• BA (Hons) Theatre & Performing Arts Degrees BA (Hons) undergraduate degrees in acting, dance, musical theatre, costume design, makeup & hair, prop making, and stage management, validated by UAL and delivered using the Northbrook Theatre and production workshops.
• Motorsport Engineering Degrees (FdEng / BSc) FdEng Motorsport Engineering and BSc (Hons) Motorsport Technology undergraduate degrees validated by the University of Brighton. Taught at the Shoreham Airport Campus using the motorsport workshops and wind tunnel.
• Aircraft Maintenance Courses Aircraft maintenance vocational courses delivered at the Shoreham Airport Campus, featuring an aircraft hangar housing five college-owned aircraft, engines, and components for hands-on maintenance training.
• Engineering Courses Mechanical engineering vocational courses providing access to lathes, milling machines, welding equipment, advanced composites, and CAD facilities, taught by industry-experienced staff.
• Motor Vehicle & Motorsport Courses Motor vehicle and motorsport vocational courses at the Shoreham Campus, featuring diagnostic equipment, practice vehicles, and the Team Northbrook Racing motorsport challenge team.
• Construction Courses Construction vocational courses covering carpentry & joinery and bricklaying, taught in purpose-built workshops by industry-experienced staff, with construction trades moving to a new Construction Trades Centre from September 2025.
• Catering & Hospitality Courses Catering and hospitality vocational courses including City & Guilds certificates in food preparation, professional cookery, and food & beverage service at multiple levels.
• Hairdressing & Beauty Courses Beauty therapy and hairdressing vocational courses delivered alongside a boutique salon open to the public, providing real-client practical experience for students.
• Childcare & Health Social Care Courses Childcare and health and social care qualifications and apprenticeships providing hands-on experience working with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and vulnerable adults. (Note: relocated to Worthing College from September 2025.)
• Creative Media & Digital Arts Courses Creative media, film, photography, and games development vocational courses covering animation, creative media, film-making, photography, and games development.
• Games Development Courses Computer games development vocational courses covering 3D modelling, concept art, programming, and esports, with access to VR classrooms and computer labs. The Foundation Diploma in Esports is endorsed by the British Esports Association.
• Music Courses (Vocational) Vocational music courses from Level 1 to Degree Level, taught in over 20 acoustically designed spaces including control/live room suites and performance areas.
• Theatre, Performing & Production Arts Courses Performing arts and theatre production vocational courses using the Northbrook Theatre with industry-standard technology, rehearsal studios, and production workshops for props, sets, costume and makeup.
• Uniformed Services Courses Uniformed services vocational courses with the Combined Cadet Force (Royal Navy) partnership - the first FE college partnered with the Royal Navy for a CCF contingent, offering adventure training including sailing, scuba diving, mountaineering, and leadership development.
• Inclusion, Foundation Learning & Gateway Courses Inclusion programmes for students with learning difficulties, mental health concerns, or additional support needs, including Achieve courses and the Foundation Learning Gateway programme.
• Arundel Restaurant (Public Facility) On-site teaching restaurant at the West Durrington Campus staffed by hospitality students and open to the public, providing real-world service experience.
• Northbrook Theatre (Public Facility) Professional theatre equipped with industry-standard technology, scene dock, and rehearsal studios. Used for both student productions and performances open to the public.
• Music Studios (Public Facility) Professional music recording and rehearsal studios with 20+ acoustically designed spaces, available for public hire as well as student teaching.
• College Salon (Public Facility) Beauty salon open to the public providing industry-standard beauty treatments delivered by hairdressing and beauty therapy students for real-client experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ofsted Outstanding for Apprenticeships (2025)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, moderate and core.

• Southdown Gliding ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Aeronautical Engineering students visited Southdown Gliding Club to virtually experience flight in gliding simulators, enhancing practical training at the Shoreham Airport campus.
• St Barnabas HouseminorOthers · 1 June 2026Hospitality & Catering students hosted a charity fundraising event for St Barnabas House hospice, providing catering services and community engagement experience for students.
• London Gatwick AirportmoderateStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026Gatwick Airport donated a specialist vehicle to Northbrook College to support student learning in motor vehicle and STEM training, bringing real-world industry experience directly into the college.
• University of the Arts London (UAL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll creative degrees (art, design, fashion, photography, illustration, theatre, music, performing arts) are validated by University of the Arts London. UAL is ranked second in the world for art & design (QS World University Rankings 2022), providing prestige and recognition for Northbrook graduates.
• University of BrightoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMotorsport Engineering degrees (FdEng and BSc) are validated by the University of Brighton, providing degree conferral and academic accreditation for automotive and motorsport programs.
• Royal NavycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthbrook College is the first FE College partnered with the Royal Navy for a Combined Cadet Force (RN) contingent. Students enrolled in Uniformed Services courses join the CCF (RN) offering adventure training activities including sailing, scuba diving, mountaineering, and leadership development.
• British Esports AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Foundation Diploma in Esports is endorsed by the British Esports Association as being suitable for learners wanting to work in the growing esports industry.
• Chichester College GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthbrook College is part of Chichester College Group, one of the largest further education providers in the region. The group provides shared services including IT infrastructure (Microsoft 365, CCG Online), marketing, HR, and centralized systems while colleges maintain local identity and curriculum focus.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Brinsbury College: Sister college within Chichester College Group with land-based and animal science specialisms. Comparable further education college sharing the same group infrastructure, funding mechanisms, and quality assurance processes.
• Worthing College: Sister college within Chichester College Group in West Sussex receiving relocated Northbrook programs in 2025. Provides directly overlapping further education and A-Level pathways with shared group systems.
• New College Durham: Large UK further education college offering vocational courses, apprenticeships, T-Levels, and higher education across similar subject breadth. Operates under the same Ofsted framework and apprenticeship Levy funding model.
• Chichester College: Sister college within Chichester College Group offering further education, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and higher education programs across similar subject areas. Directly comparable as it shares group infrastructure, government funding streams, and overlapping regional catchment in West Sussex.
• Derby College: UK further education college offering vocational courses, apprenticeships, T-Levels, and higher education with technical specialisms including engineering, construction, and creative arts. Operates under the same regulatory and funding framework as Northbrook.
• Crawley College: Sister college within Chichester College Group serving West Sussex with further education, apprenticeships, and university-level courses. Operates with shared Chichester College Group services and similar curriculum breadth as Northbrook.
• City College Norwich: UK further education college offering vocational, apprenticeship, and higher education programs with industry-standard facilities. Comparable as a regional FE college serving a similar student demographic mix of 16-19 learners, adults, and apprentices.
• Brighton MET College: Sister college within Chichester College Group providing further and higher education across vocational subjects including creative arts, engineering, hospitality, and care. Shares the same group structure, regulatory framework, and core curriculum model as Northbrook.
• Middlesbrough College: UK further education college providing vocational, apprenticeship, and higher education with industry-standard specialist facilities (engineering, construction, creative arts). Similar scale and curriculum model to Northbrook within the Ofsted-regulated FE sector.
• Hugh Baird College: UK further education college with vocational courses, apprenticeships, and university-level pathways in creative, technical, and care sectors. Comparable size and curriculum scope to Northbrook within the English FE system.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Northbrook
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/northbrook-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/northbrookcoll
• Xx.com/Nbcol

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 Northbrook College