The Open College Of Equine Studies

What The Open College Of Equine Studies does

The Open College of Equine Studies (TOCES) is a private UK distance-learning institution incorporated in England (Company No. 04354226) and headquartered at a single campus in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. It delivers accredited equine education across foundation to Level 5, with a portfolio that includes short certificate programmes (e.g., Equine Anatomy and Physiology, Equine Health Management, Equine Lameness and Rehabilitation, Equine Biomechanics, Equine Sports Nutrition) and diploma/qualification pathways for equine veterinary nursing (Equine Nursing Care Assistant, Lantra Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – Equine, Level 3 Veterinary Nursing: Equine Extension Programme, Level 3 Equine Veterinary Technician).

TOCES' core technology is a Moodle-based E-Learning Centre that delivers course materials, study guides, assignments, pre-recorded webinars, and downloadable resources, supplemented by BigBlueButton for live remote study and optional attended study weeks at the Suffolk campus. This blended model allows 100% online participation for international learners while preserving practical training where required. Public-facing marketing and enrolment are handled primarily through the website (equinestudies.co.uk), downloadable prospectus, email newsletters, and SEO/organic search, with referrals also noted from equestrian press such as Horse and Hound.

Revenue derives from tuition fees for individual learners, ranging from roughly £100–£150 for short Level 4–5 certificates to £2,250–£9,750 for diploma programmes, plus awarding body registration fees (Lantra £325, RCVS £228) and optional add-ons such as printed materials, accommodation at study weeks, and learner insurance. Enrolment is direct-to-consumer via emailed forms, with both one-time and instalment payment options and finance arranged through Omni Capital. The college holds accreditations from RCVS, Lantra Awards, the British Horse Society, Open Awards, ACOVENE, and RAMP, and is described as the UK's leading international equine distance learning college.

Name

The Open College Of Equine Studies

Legal name

The Open College of Equine Studies

Website

https://equinestudies.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Short description

TOCES is a privately held UK distance-learning college based in Suffolk that delivers accredited equine education, from foundation certificates to RCVS-recognised veterinary nursing diplomas, to individual learners worldwide via its Moodle-based online platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine Distance Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Equine Ambulatory & On-Farm Veterinary Services (HLAMABAE), Equine Nutrition & Therapeutic Diets (HLAMAHAE)

Keywords

• Equine distance education
• Veterinary nursing training
• Equine health courses
• Horse care certificates
• Animal care qualifications

Headquarters

HQ city

Bury St Edmunds

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees charged for various equine education programmes. Fees vary by course level and duration, from short certificate courses at £100-£150 to comprehensive diploma programmes at £2,250-£9,750. Multiple payment options including full payment, pay-as-you-learn instalments, and finance options through Omni Capital.
2. Awarding Body Registration Fees: Additional fees collected on behalf of accrediting bodies including Lantra Awards registration (£325) and RCVS registration (£228) for veterinary nursing programmes. External examination fees and resit fees also contribute.
3. Optional Programme Enhancements: Revenue from optional add-ons including printed course materials and ring binders, postage costs, additional books, study week accommodation and meals, completion certificates for overseas posting, and learner insurance for equine physiotherapy and sports massage programmes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Open College of Equine Studies delivers accredited equine education through distance learning and blended learning programmes, ranging from short Level 4 and Level 5 certificates in equine health, husbandry, anatomy, nutrition, biomechanics, behaviour, reproduction, and therapeutics, to diploma-level qualifications in equine veterinary nursing (Level 2 and Level 3) accredited by RCVS, Lantra Awards, and other awarding bodies. Courses are delivered primarily online through a Moodle-based E-Learning Centre, supported by pre-recorded webinars, live video tutorials, and periodic in-person study weeks at the Suffolk campus for programmes requiring practical skills.

Product overview

The Open College of Equine Studies (TOCES) is a leading international equine distance learning institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of accredited equine education programmes. The offering comprises higher education short courses at Levels 4 and 5 (standalone certificates) and further education diploma programmes in veterinary nursing. Level 4 and 5 short courses include certificates in Anatomy and Physiology, Husbandry, Health Management, Lameness and Rehabilitation, Exercise Physiology/Fitness/Training, Sward Management, Behavioural Science, Reproductive Physiology, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Therapeutics, and Sports Nutrition. Diploma programmes include the Equine Nursing Care Assistant (Level 2), Lantra Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Equine), the Equine Extension Programme for qualified small animal VNs, and the Level 3 Equine Veterinary Technician. All programmes are delivered via blended learning combining tutor-supported e-learning (Moodle), pre-recorded webinars, live online sessions (BigBlueButton), and attended study blocks at their Suffolk campus.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TOCES: Abbreviated trade name for The Open College of Equine Studies used on the website and marketing materials.

Products and services

• Level 4 Certificate in Equine Health Management
• Level 4 Certificate in Equine Exercise Physiology, Fitness and Training
• Level 4 Certificate in Equine Lameness and Rehabilitation
• Level 4 Certificate in Equine Husbandry
• Level 4 Certificate in Equine Anatomy and Physiology
• Level 4 Certificate in Sward Management
• Level 5 Certificate in Equine Behavioural Science
• Level 5 Certificate in Equine Reproductive Physiology
• Level 5 Certificate in Equine Biomechanics
• Level 5 Certificate in Equine Nutrition
• Level 5 Certificate in Equine Therapeutics
• Level 5 Certificate in Advances in Equine Nutrition
• Level 5 Certificate in Equine Sports Nutrition
• Equine Nursing Care Assistant (Level 2)
• Lantra Awards Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - Equine
• Level 3 Veterinary Nursing: Equine Extension Programme
• Level 3 Equine Veterinary Technician

Quantifiable outcome

• RCVS commended for excellent results in veterinary nursing programmes
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTOCES is approved by RCVS to provide veterinary nursing training programmes leading to registration on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. The college has been commended by RCVS for excellent results. This accreditation is essential for veterinary nursing qualification legitimacy and career registration.
• Lantra AwardscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTOCES programmes are accredited by Lantra Awards, including the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - Equine. Lantra is the awarding body for many of the college's vocational qualifications.
• British Horse Society (BHS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHS accreditation validates the quality of TOCES horse care and management courses. BHS qualifications are well-recognised in the UK equestrian industry.
• Open AwardssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTOCES higher education specialist short courses are accredited by Open Awards, providing recognised certification at Levels 4-5.
• ACOVENEsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerACOVENE accreditation validates veterinary nursing qualifications against European standards, supporting international recognition of TOCES credentials.
• RAMP RegistersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners) accreditation supports graduates seeking professional recognition in animal therapy fields.
• RCVS-Approved Training PracticescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEquine veterinary practices approved by RCVS as Training Practices (TPs) provide mandatory work experience for veterinary nursing students. TOCES does not arrange placements but provides guidance and maintains relationships with the RCVS TP network.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The College of Animal Welfare: The College of Animal Welfare is one of the UK's largest veterinary nursing and animal care training providers, offering RCVS-approved distance learning and on-campus programmes. Directly comparable to TOCES in mission, accreditation model, and learner segments, with broader animal-care scope.
• Hartpury University: Hartpury is a leading UK higher education institution specialising in equine science, veterinary nursing, and animal sciences, with on-campus and online pathways. Highly comparable to TOCES on equine education focus, though it offers full degree programmes alongside vocational qualifications.
• Writtle University College: Writtle delivers animal science, equine, and veterinary nursing education with both vocational and degree pathways. Comparable to TOCES in equine curriculum and learner segments, with a stronger on-campus university model.
• Plumpton College: Plumpton College provides land-based and equine education including veterinary nursing diplomas and short courses, with both on-campus and blended delivery. Comparable to TOCES in target learner (aspiring vet nurses, equine professionals) and qualification mix.
• Myerscough College: Myerscough offers equine studies, veterinary nursing, and animal science programmes at further and higher education levels. Directly comparable as a UK land-based college with equine vocational focus and RCVS-aligned pathways.
• Bishop Burton College: Bishop Burton College offers land-based education including equine management, animal science, and veterinary nursing qualifications. Comparable to TOCES as a regional UK equine and veterinary education provider with vocational pathways.

Broad incumbents

• The Open University: The Open University is the UK's largest distance-learning higher education institution. Comparable to TOCES on online/blended delivery model and broad learner base, but operates at vastly greater scale and across all academic subjects rather than specialising in equine.
• Royal Agricultural University: The Royal Agricultural University offers land-based and animal science education including equine management pathways. A broader incumbent in agricultural/animal education with comparable learner demographics and some overlap on equine content.
• Royal Veterinary College: The Royal Veterinary College is the UK's largest and oldest veterinary school, offering veterinary nursing, veterinary medicine, and CPD across species. A broader incumbent with overlapping equine veterinary nursing accreditation, but operating at a much larger scale and degree-granting level.

Emerging players

• Open Study College: Open Study College is a UK distance learning provider offering a wide catalogue of vocational and CPD courses across many disciplines including animal care. Comparable to TOCES on distance learning delivery and self-paced structure, though broader and less specialised in equine.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/info_toces
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-open-college-of-equine-studies

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Open College Of Equine Studies