National Star Foundation

What National Star Foundation does

National Star Foundation is a UK registered charity (charity number 220239, company number 00522846), founded in 1968, that operates as a specialist further education college and residential care provider for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and acquired brain injuries. It serves approximately 200 students aged 16-25 across four campuses in Cheltenham (Ullenwood Manor), Hereford, Worcester, and Wales (Pontypool), with a long-term living facility (Foundation House) in Gloucester. The core offer combines personalised education programmes (functional English and maths, life skills, sensory-based curriculum, work-based learning) with multidisciplinary therapy (aquatic, music, drama, occupational, physiotherapy, speech and language), residential accommodation, respite care, and transition planning. A Community Learning programme extends services to adults aged 18+.

The operating model is a hybrid of fee-based education and care services, grants from local authorities, the NHS and charitable trusts, donations and fundraising, and a network of social enterprises (StarBistro café, StarGolf 18-hole par-3 course, StarGlamping site, charity shops, print services) that provide vocational experience for students while generating surplus funds. Technology infrastructure is built on Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint/StarNet, Dayforce/StarTraining e-learning), Zivver for secure email, Google Analytics 4 and Microsoft Clarity for web analytics, and assistive technologies including AAC devices and Alexa-enabled independence tools. Go-to-market is direct-to-family enrollment via an online application process, supported by virtual campus tours, community fundraising events (Sunrise Walk, Wing Walk, Skydive, London Marathon, Cotswold Hills Charity Golf Day), and a corporate partnerships programme.

The organisation is governed by a board of trustees with no parent company, private equity, or institutional investor disclosed. It holds multiple accreditations including Cyber Essentials, NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit, UK GDPR, SafeGolf, and Fundraising Regulator registration, alongside a 2026 C2S Consultancy Sustainability Award. A 20+ partner ecosystem spans specialist care providers (Leonard Cheshire, Voyage Care, Choice Care, Dimensions, National Care Group, Heart of England Mencap), housing and transition specialists (Cavalry Healthcare/TillyCo, GPW Tax and Law, Guideposts Trust), and inclusive-activity providers, positioning National Star as a hub for the education-to-adult-life pathway. The combination of recurring fee income, diversified funding streams, embedded physical infrastructure, and a specialist multi-decade capability set underpins a stable, incrementally expanding operating profile.

Name

National Star Foundation

Legal name

National Star Foundation

Website

https://nationalstar.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

National Star Foundation is a UK registered charity operating four campuses that deliver specialist further education, multidisciplinary therapy, and residential services to approximately 200 young people aged 16-25 with physical, learning, and acquired brain injuries, funded through a mix of fees, grants, donations, and social enterprises (StarBistro, StarGolf, StarGlamping, charity shops).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialist Disability Education and Care

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE), Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

Keywords

• Specialist further education
• Disability support services
• Residential care services
• Vocational training programs
• Charity social enterprise

Headquarters

HQ city

Cheltenham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Education and Care Services: Revenue from providing specialist further education, training, personal development and residential services for people with disabilities. Students aged 16-25 attend full and part-time courses, both residential and day, at campuses in Ullenwood, Hereford, Worcester and Wales.
2. Social Enterprise Operations: Income from commercial operations including StarBistro café, StarGolf golf course, StarGlamping, charity shops, and print services. These generate surplus funds to support the charitable objectives of National Star.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations from supporters, fundraising events (Sunrise Walk, Wing Walk, Skydive, London Marathon), lottery, corporate support, and legacy gifts in wills.
4. Grants and Government Funding: Funding from government bodies, local authorities, NHS, and charitable trusts for education, care, and therapy services.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

National Star Foundation provides specialist further education, training, personal development, and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries, primarily aged 16-25. Delivered across four campuses in Cheltenham (Ullenwood), Hereford, Wales (Pontypool), and Worcester, the charity supports around 200 students annually through personalised education, multidisciplinary therapy, work-based learning, and residential or respite accommodation. The organisation supplements its charitable mission with social enterprise operations including StarBistro café, StarGolf course, StarGlamping site, and charity shops that generate surplus funds while providing vocational work experience.

Product overview

National Star Foundation offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialist further education, training, personal development and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries. The core offerings include educational programmes (Learn with Us) across four campuses in Cheltenham, Hereford, Worcester, and Wales, plus residential services (Live with Us) providing accommodation from student housing to long-term living options. The organization operates several social enterprises including StarBistro (cafe), StarGolf (golf course), StarGlamping, and charity shops, which both provide vocational training opportunities for students and generate funds for the charity. Additional services encompass therapy services (aquatic, drama, music, occupational, physiotherapy, speech and language), work-based learning, community learning, respite care, and virtual campus tours. The portfolio is unified by National Star College's mission to help young people with disabilities realize their potential as equal and active citizens.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• StarBistro: A social enterprise cafe/restaurant operated by National Star students, located near Cheltenham.
• StarGolf
• StarGlamping

Products and services

• Learn with Us (Education Programs) Specialist further education offering for around 200 disabled students aged 16-25, delivered full and part-time, residential and day, across campuses in Cheltenham (Ullenwood), Hereford, Worcester and Wales. Includes functional English and maths, life skills, sensory activities, and work-based learning.
• Live with Us (Residential Services) Range of accommodation options for people with disabilities wanting to live more independently, including student accommodation on campus, long-term living (Foundation House, Gloucester), and respite services. Designed for adults with complex physical, learning, and acquired brain injury needs.
• StarBistro Cotswolds-based social enterprise café operated by National Star students, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and seasonal festive menus (e.g. £22.50 two-course and £27.50 three-course festive luncheons) to public customers, providing vocational work experience and generating surplus funds for the charity.
• StarGolf 18-hole par 3 golf course situated just outside Cheltenham at Ullenwood, open to beginners and seasoned golfers. Offers annual memberships (7-day, 5-day, senior, junior, youth) and pay-and-play green fees, with proceeds supporting National Star's charitable objectives. Achieved SafeGolf club accreditation from England Golf.
• StarGlamping Glamping site located metres from the Cotswold Way, offering a hassle-free camping experience without the need to set up tents or deal with pegs and rain, with income supporting the charity.
• Community Learning Community learning programme for adults aged 18+ with disabilities offering part-time learning opportunities at National Star campuses, including cookery, arts, and other activities to help participants learn something new, get active, and meet new friends.
• Therapy Services Multidisciplinary therapy team offering aquatic therapy, dramatherapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and emotional health and wellbeing support to students at National Star and to private therapy clients.
• Work-Based Learning Programmes helping students prepare for the world of work through practical placements, job coaching, and skills development aimed at employment outcomes for disabled learners.
• LiftTraining Specialist training programme providing vocational skills and work experience for disabled learners, available in locations including East Sussex.
• Charity Shops Multiple National Star charity shops selling clothes, novels, toys and home accessories, staffed by volunteers and generating funds to support the charity's work.
• Respite Services Short-term stays for individuals with disabilities needing a break from home, available for one day or longer, with structured respite activities at National Star campuses.
• Venue and Room Hire Conference and event venue hire facilities at National Star campuses offered to external organisations for corporate events, training, and community bookings, generating income while showcasing the charity's work.
• Virtual Campus Tours Interactive 360-degree virtual tours of National Star's campuses in Cheltenham, Hereford, Wales, and Worcester, allowing prospective students and families to explore learning spaces, facilities, and residential life online.
• National Star Lottery Charity lottery operated by National Star Foundation, with supporters purchasing tickets for a chance to win while raising recurring funds for the charity's services for people with disabilities.

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Guideposts TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuideposts Trust delivers learning and life skills programmes designed to support young people to access meaningful daytime activities and further develop essential skills for life after college - currently available in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire. They also offer Friendship and Leisure programme virtually nationwide or in person for days out and events.
• GPW Tax and Law / Estate Planning SeminarscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPW Tax and Law provides estate planning seminars for National Star families, covering wills, trusts, deputyships and LPAs to help protect the long-term financial security and wellbeing of young people with disabilities. They speak at National Star transition events.
• Cavalry HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational housing provider and care service covering autism-specific services, provisions offering clinical care, supported living cohorts, or flats in cluster communities. They present at National Star transition events about long-term housing solutions after college.
• Active Impact and You're Welcome GloucestershiremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreates inclusive opportunities for young people with disabilities. You're Welcome Gloucestershire is a free inclusive activity finder with clear accessibility information.
• Choice Care GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist provider for autistic people and those with learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs. Consistently high CQC ratings and national best practice expertise.
• DimensionsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the country's largest not-for-profit organisations supporting autistic people and those with learning disabilities, behaviours of distress and complex health needs.
• Gloucestershire Cricket FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides opportunities for young people with additional needs to play regular competitive cricket at weekly sessions and festivals through Super1s community hubs. All sessions are free and inclusive.
• Forwards / Employment and Skills HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGloucestershire's first stop for disability employment - helping job seekers with disabilities and employers with job opportunities concerned about disability discrimination.
• DC&M MobilityminorOthersFamily-run business offering home and in-store assessments, mobility equipment, vehicle adaptations, and recognized Motability dealer for vehicle adaptations.
• Home From Home CaremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist residential care services to autistic adults (18+) and those with learning disabilities and complex health/mental health needs with bespoke environments and support.
• Inclusion GloucestershireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAims to achieve an inclusive society that values, respects and includes disabled people. Helps support raising and addressing disability-related issues.
• Leonard CheshiremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based leading disability charity supporting over 30,000 disabled people each year. Helps individuals live, learn and work as independently as they choose.
• LiaisemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare and support provider specialising in support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other complex needs including PMLD, sensory impairments, epilepsy, and mental health issues.
• Voyage CaremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSector-leading provider of specialist support for children and adults with autism, brain injuries, learning disabilities and complex needs with over 35 years experience.
• Walsingham SupportmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and complex needs for over 30 years with residential care and supported living.
• Scrubditch Care FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTherapeutic farm-based activities for vulnerable people including adults with learning disabilities who attend weekly to learn animal care, gardening, cooking, and woodland exploration.
• TwoCan Inclusive Theatre CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGloucestershire's leading disabled-led inclusive theatre organisation ensuring deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people can access and thrive through performing arts.
• National Care GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the UK's leading adult social care providers supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people across England and Wales.
• Wildgoose Rural TrainingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers disabled adults opportunity to learn about rural life in a nurturing atmosphere. Clients work in small groups to help run farm, nature reserve and tea room.
• Heart of England MencapmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmpowers people with a learning disability to live fulfilling and independent lives through residential, supported living, respite, or community day care services across Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
• TillyCo (part of Cavalry Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Cavalry Group covering autism-specific services, provisions offering clinical care, supported living cohorts, or flats in cluster communities. Present at transition events.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Mencap: UK's leading learning disability charity, providing a broad portfolio of services including education, employment, housing and advocacy. Comparable as a much larger generalist incumbent operating across the same learner cohort with broader geographic reach.

Direct peers

• United Response: National disability charity providing person-centred support including supported living, residential care and learning services for people with learning disabilities and autism. Directly comparable on specialist disability support models and commissioning relationships.
• Leonard Cheshire: One of the UK's largest disability charities, supporting over 30,000 disabled people annually across education, employment and independent living services. Direct comparable as a broad disability nonprofit with overlapping FE, residential and transition service offerings.
• National Care Group: One of the UK's leading adult social care providers supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries and autistic people across England and Wales. Directly comparable on multi-region specialist disability support and transition services.
• Voyage Care: Sector-leading provider of specialist support for children and adults with autism, brain injuries, learning disabilities and complex needs with over 35 years experience. Highly comparable as a specialist residential and supported living provider for overlapping disability cohorts.
• Walsingham Support: Charity supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and complex needs for over 30 years with residential care and supported living. Comparable as a long-established specialist disability provider with overlapping service lines.
• Choice Care Group: Specialist provider for autistic people and those with learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs with high CQC ratings. Comparable as a specialist residential and supported living provider for an overlapping population.
• Home From Home Care: Provider of specialist residential care for autistic adults (18+) and those with learning disabilities and complex health/mental health needs with bespoke environments. Directly comparable as a specialist bespoke residential provider for the same complex-need cohort.
• Hft (Home Farm Trust): National charity providing support for people with learning disabilities, including personalisation, residential care and supported living. Comparable as a long-established UK learning disability charity with overlapping FE-adjacent and residential services.
• Dimensions: One of the UK's largest not-for-profit organisations supporting autistic people and those with learning disabilities, behaviours of distress and complex health needs. Comparable on specialist disability support and transition pathways for the same learner cohort.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.nationalstar.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.nationalstar.org/&title=Home&source=National Star

Compliance7 records

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 National Star Foundation