Nottingham College stands proudly as a beacon of educational excellence and community engagement, tracing its roots back to the founding of People’s College in 1847, the oldest further education college in England. This rich academic history is further complemented by the legacy of the High Pavement Unitarian Day School, which opened in 1788. Today, Nottingham College is celebrated as a ‘good’ college, receiving commendation from Ofsted in December 2022 for its robust curriculum and responsiveness to regional economic needs.
The college is deeply committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture for its staff, as demonstrated by its national Beacon Award for mental health and wellbeing support in 2023. Nottingham College’s dedication to staff wellbeing is reflected in its 50 trained Mental Health First Aiders and a series of innovative initiatives such as the Menopause Café and other support networks that provide safe spaces for diverse groups of colleagues.
Regular internal communications, led by CEO Janet Smith through web chats, roadshows, and email updates, ensure that staff are well-informed and engaged with the college's strategic direction. Nottingham College also places a strong emphasis on professional development, offering an array of CPD days and leadership programmes like the Stepping On and Evolve Leadership Development Programme.
The college’s commitment to social action is unparalleled, with staff and students engaging in volunteering and fundraising activities that have garnered multiple awards, including the ‘Volunteering College of the Year.’
