Inspire Education Group

What Inspire Education Group does

Inspire Education Group is an independent further and higher education college group formed in 2020 through the merger of Peterborough Regional College, University Centre Peterborough, and New College Stamford. The Group operates from two main campuses in Peterborough (Cambridgeshire) and Stamford (Lincolnshire), serving over 12,000 learners annually through six core operating subsidiaries: Peterborough College, Stamford College, University Centre Peterborough, Anglia Professional Training, The BRDG hub, and Stamford Gas Training, plus ancillary services including Stamford Fitness Centre and Parcs Nursery.

The Group delivers an integrated educational pathway spanning Level 1 to Level 7, encompassing further education study programmes, T Levels, apprenticeships across 40+ standards, A Levels, vocational qualifications, higher education degrees validated by the Open University, and professional qualifications in accountancy (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW), legal services, and management. Core technology infrastructure includes 2,255 Chromebooks under Google Reference College status, a Virtalis virtual reality wall at the Centre for Green Technology, a broadcast-standard Media Centre, and a simulated crime scene facility for Forensic Investigation at University Centre Peterborough.

IEG's business model rests on four revenue streams: government-funded further education (Department for Education and local skills improvement funds), apprenticeship levy funding (1,000+ apprentices), higher education tuition fees, and commercial training for employers (1,000+ employer organisations). The Employer Engagement team operates as the primary B2B channel, co-designing apprenticeship programmes with regional and national employers including Baker Perkins, Anglian Water, Allison Homes, Codem Composites, Hitachi Energy, and Rolec EV. Additional income is generated through professional training (Anglia Professional Training), specialist gas plumbing courses (Stamford Gas Training), nursery services, and fitness centre operations.

Name

Inspire Education Group

Legal name

Inspire Education Group

Website

https://ieg.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further and Higher Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Integrated Education & Training (IET) / Contextualized ABE (Workforce-Linked) (EDAAAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education (SPED), IEP & Accessibility/Assistive Technology (EDAJAMAH), IEP Implementation Monitoring & Compliance Audits (EDAKACAI)

Keywords

• Further education
• Higher education
• Apprenticeship training
• Vocational qualifications
• Professional development

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Further Education: IEG receives government funding from the Department for Education and local skills improvement funds to deliver further education programmes for 16-18 year olds, adults, and vocational learners. This includes funding for the Centre for Green Technology (£13.7m project) from CPCA, Towns Fund, and DfE.
2. Apprenticeship Funding: IEG generates revenue through apprenticeship programmes funded by government apprenticeship levies, working with over 1,000 apprentices across more than 40 standards. Employer partners co-invest in training programmes.
3. Higher Education Tuition Fees: University Centre Peterborough delivers higher education programmes validated by the Open University, generating revenue through tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes spanning Level 1 to Level 7.
4. Commercial Training for Employers: IEG delivers specialist commercial training for employers locally, regionally, and nationally, including professional qualifications in accountancy (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW), legal services, leadership and management, and gas plumbing (via Stamford Gas Training).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

IEG operates as a unified further and higher education group delivering study programmes, T Levels, apprenticeships across 40+ standards, higher education degrees validated by the Open University, professional qualifications (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, legal and leadership) and adult learning through Peterborough College, Stamford College, University Centre Peterborough, Anglia Professional Training, Stamford Gas Training and The BRDG hub. The Group supports over 12,000 learners and partners with 1,000+ employers on workforce development, co-designing curriculum against regional skills priorities.

Product overview

Inspire Education Group is a further and higher education provider operating as a unified platform of educational services across multiple campuses in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. The Group comprises Peterborough College, Stamford College, University Centre Peterborough, Anglia Professional Training, Stamford Gas Training, The BRDG hub, and various community facilities (Stamford Fitness Centre, Parcs Nursery). Key facilities include the Centre for Green Technology (£13.5m) and Modern Methods of Construction Centre. The Group offers apprenticeships (40+ standards), T Levels, vocational qualifications, and higher education programmes (50+ courses). Educational pathways span from Level 1 to Level 7, supporting learners from entry-level vocational training through to degree-level study validated by the Open University.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Apprenticeships Programme Apprenticeship programmes spanning 40+ standards including degree-level apprenticeships (Chartered Manager, Digital User Experience Professional, Serious and Complex Crime Investigator) delivered in partnership with over 1,000 employer organisations. Designed for both new entrants and existing staff upskilling.
• T Levels Technical education qualifications combining classroom learning with industry placements, preparing students for skilled employment or higher education. IEG achieved a 100% T Level pass rate.
• University Centre Peterborough Higher Education Programmes Higher education programmes from Level 4 to Level 7 including degrees, Higher Technical Qualifications, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas validated by the Open University, plus modular study under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. TEF Silver-rated.
• Anglia Professional Training (Professional Qualifications) Professional qualifications in accountancy (AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW), legal services, leadership and management. Fully accredited AAT exam and study centre serving individuals and employer clients.
• Stamford Gas Training Specialist training and assessment courses for professionals in the gas plumbing industry, delivered by trainers with nearly 70 years of combined industry experience.
• Jobsmac Adult Learning Programme Adult learning and employability programme at Peterborough College offering fully funded courses in construction, security, logistics and hospitality, alongside tailored employability support to help learners gain skills and confidence.
• Centre for Green Technology Training Programme Cutting-edge green-skills training at the £13.7m Centre for Green Technology covering retrofit, electric vehicle systems, low-carbon construction and alternative heat technologies, with industry-standard equipment from Rolec EV, Worcester Bosch and Quantum and a Virtalis VR wall for simulated work-based learning.
• Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Training Programme Sustainable construction training at the MMC Centre at Stamford College, achieving BREEAM 'Very Good' status, using eco-bricks, sustainably-sourced timber, air-source heat pumps and solar panels.
• The BRDG NEET Hub Programme City-centre hub bringing together 16+ partner organisations to strengthen education, employment and training opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds who are NEET or at risk of becoming disengaged, including DWP, Department for Education, CPCA, Peterborough City Council, The Posh Hub, PCVS and Inspire2Ignite.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% of students progressed into employment, Apprenticeships, Higher Education or further training
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 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

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms attended the BRDG launch and roundtable. DWP's Young People and Work report called for stronger collaboration to help young people navigate the transition from education into employment. DWP announced a £2.5 billion youth employment support package.
• Department for EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026DfE representatives attended The BRDG launch roundtable. DfE's Local Skills Improvement Fund contributed £1.42 million to the Centre for Green Technology. IEG's Group CEO Rachel Nicholls participates in DfE/Association of Colleges visits to explore innovation and student opportunity.
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026CPCA provided £2.471 million via Transforming Cities Fund and £400,000 from Local Growth Fund for the Centre for Green Technology. Mayor Paul Bristow and CPCA representatives participate in IEG events and initiatives. CPCA designated Peterborough as a 'Trailblazer' area for youth employment support.
• Hitachi Energy UKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 January 2026Hitachi Energy UK delivered employer-led sessions for electrical students at Stamford College, providing insight into green energy technologies, equipment, and the jobs market in renewable energy. Approximately 90 full-time students studying Level 1, 2 and 3 City & Guilds Electrical qualifications benefited from the session.
• The One GroupsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2025The One Group partnered with IEG to unlock barriers to growth in manufacturing, supporting regional manufacturing sector workforce development.
• Rolec EVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 July 2024IEG and Rolec EV partnered to meet growing demand for skilled professionals in the EV sector through curriculum development, hands-on training, and industry placements for students. Rolec provides equipment (EV charging infrastructure) for IEG's Centre for Green Technology and offered a tour of their custom-built manufacturing facilities.
• Baker PerkinscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing apprenticeship partner for engineering and advanced manufacturing. Baker Perkins views apprenticeships as the most effective way to ensure they have the skills needed, with the IEG partnership ensuring the apprentice training programme goes from strength to strength.
• Allison HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerApprenticeship partner for construction skills, sponsoring the Modern Methods of Construction Centre at Stamford College. Partnership supports housing development workforce needs in the region.
• Anglian WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater sector apprenticeship partner contributing to utilities workforce development in the region.
• Codem CompositescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerApprenticeship partner for advanced materials/composites engineering. Codem describes IEG as a 'forward-thinking provider' with a true partnership-style collaboration supporting their short, medium and long-term goals.
• Peterborough City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeterborough City Council provided £1.9 million via Towns Fund for the Centre for Green Technology. Councillors have visited IEG to see progress and discuss future plans. Cllr Rhea Rayside visited Stamford College to explore skills and training opportunities.
• The Posh HubsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation in The BRDG hub, supporting 16-24 year olds who are NEET or at risk of disengagement from education and employment.
• Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service (PCVS)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoluntary sector organisation partner in The BRDG hub. IEG CEO Rachel Nicholls serves as a Trustee of PCVS.
• Inspire2IgnitesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoluntary sector organisation working directly with young people, partner in The BRDG hub for youth employment support.
• ARU (Anglia Ruskin University)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner represented at The BRDG launch roundtable. IEG CEO Rachel Nicholls serves as Deputy Chair of Towns Fund which involves ARU connections.
• Open UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerValidating partner for University Centre Peterborough's higher education programmes. Open University achieved TEF Gold rating, meaning students in Peterborough and Stamford receive a high calibre academic experience backed by an internationally recognised institution.
• Region of LearningsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership across Cambridge City Council and CPCA to boost skills and create pathways into employment, volunteering and professional development. Praised IEG's proactive approach to embedding digital badges, with over 150 digital badges issued.
• Worcester BoschsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIndustry equipment partner for the Centre for Green Technology, providing equipment for sustainable heating and renewable energy training.
• Quantum (industry partner)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationIndustry equipment partner for the Centre for Green Technology providing equipment for training provision.
• CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCITB representatives visited the Centre for Green Technology to explore tackling the construction skills gap.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Barnsley College: Mid-sized GFE college with integrated higher education, university centre validation and substantial apprenticeship provision — directly comparable on the FE-plus-HE-in-one-institution model that IEG operates.
• Activate Learning: Multi-campus FE/HE college group spanning further education, higher education and employer training across southern England — comparable group structure and integrated L1-L7 offering.
• Petroc College: Mid-sized GFE college with strong apprenticeship portfolio across technical and construction trades — directly comparable on employer-led training and T Level/apprenticeship mix.
• Weston College: Large UK GFE college with strong apprenticeship portfolio, employer engagement focus, and T Level provision — comparable scale and operating model to IEG across FE, HE and employer-facing training.
• Loughborough College: FE college with strong technical/vocational and apprenticeship focus, and a university partner relationship — comparable size, employer engagement model and technical training positioning.
• East Sussex College Group: FE college group formed through merger of multiple campuses delivering FE, HE, apprenticeships and T Levels — closely comparable group structure, multi-campus model and funding mix to IEG.
• Cambridge Regional College: A general further education college operating in Cambridgeshire, directly competing with Peterborough College for 16-18 learners, adult learners, and employer-led apprenticeship demand in the same East of England region.
• Hugh Baird College: Merseyside-based FE college with integrated HE, apprenticeship provision and university centre validation — comparable integrated FE/HE operating model and employer engagement function.
• New City College: Large London-based FE college group formed through merger with HE and apprenticeship provision — comparable merged multi-campus FE/HE group model and employer engagement operations.

Broad incumbents

• Anglia Ruskin University: Larger regional higher education institution in the East of England with whom IEG has partnership links; provides context as a broader incumbent HE provider competing for the same regional degree-seeking students.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IEG_UK
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzJVhEIB6tFcJfT6xRZDZ5Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/inspireeducationgroupuk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/inspireeducationgroupuk
• Instagraminstagram.com/inspireeducationgroup
• TikToktiktok.com/@inspireeducationgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries6 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 Inspire Education Group