Bath’s world-renown Norland College – best known for its nannies in their distinctive uniforms – has become the UK’s smallest undergraduate degree provider following powers granted it by the Privy Council.
From this September, students at the college will be able to study for a degree alongside its prestigious Norland College Diploma.
The college, a specialist provider of early years training and education, sees the move as a major step towards it becoming the world’s first specialist early years university. 
Founded in London in 1892 by Emily Ward, Norland College has been at the forefront of childcare training ever since, giving students the opportunity to take their place among the world’s most sought-after childcare professionals.
While it already offered a three-year full-time BA (Hons) degree in Early Years Development and Learning, until now it had been validated by the University of Gloucestershire.
The degree is integrated with Norland Diploma, which runs alongside the degree and for a year afterwards, enabling students to put theory into practice.
Principal Dr Janet Rose said the college was “incredibly proud” to have been granted taught degree-awarding powers.
“This represents a significant milestone in the college’s 127-year history and demonstrates how Norland remains at the forefront of raising the status and value of the childcare profession,” she said.
“The college now matches its unparalleled reputation in the field of early years with the privilege and responsibilities of taught degree awarding powers.”
Vice principal, head of quality and standards and registrar Mandy Donaldson added: “This achievement is testament to the outstanding quality of the academic provision at Norland College. It demonstrates that the Office for Students has full confidence in our ability to maintain academic standards and enhance the quality of student learning experiences.”
Its degree powers have been awarded less than 12 months after it achieved a Gold rating – the highest standard possible – in the government-based Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which assesses a college’s learning environment, student experience and opportunities for employment on graduation, and is largely based on feedback from students.
Norland College board of directors chair Martin Clarke said: “This announcement marks a new and exciting era for Norland College. The process to secure taught degree-awarding powers has involved considerable work from all members of staff and the whole college has been scrutinised rigorously against national criteria.”
Norland College is able to provide newly qualified nannies with 100% employment opportunities through its own in-house employment agency.
