26 Vocational Schools in the UK; Their Key Information

The career colleges and vocational schools in the UK have a number of programs and policies that are aimed at providing vocational education and training(VET) for both young people and adults.

The training helps individuals to learn a trade and most importantly find gainful employment.

The government in the United Kingdom due to inadequate training and low productivity has developed a strategy that is focused on both raising the standards for vocational education and training, most importantly increasing inclusion.

If you are searching for career colleges or vocational schools in the UK, then, you will need to read to the end. We will not only look at the vocational schools in the UK but also the goals of vocational education and training in the United Kingdom.

An Overview of the Vocational Education and Training in the United Kingdom Today

Vocational education as well as training in the United Kingdom now begins in lower secondary school, with vocational General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs) available in eight subject areas which include:

  • Applied Art and Design
  • IT education
  • Business
  • Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Leisure and Tourism
  • Health/Social Care

Other courses are currently under development and should be available shortly.

Students who are between the ages of 14 and 16 can also now participate in young apprenticeships, in which they shadow workers as a way to give them a clearer picture of the day-to-day work that is basically required in a given career industry.

In the upper secondary school, Vocational Training in the United Kingdom continues, with programs available in the same eight programs that are offered at the lower secondary school level.

There are three main goals for vocational training in either a career college or any of the vocational schools in the UK. Once anyone completes the compulsory secondary education, the main routes students take are:

  • To continue in full-time education in either a school or college;
  • To move on to a work-based training program, which is usually an apprenticeship; or
  • To start work by becoming employed full-time or part-time or doing voluntary work.

The Goals of Vocational Education and Training in the UK

There are a number of goals and objectives why the strategies for improving vocational education and training in the vocational schools in the UK were developed.

Some of these goals have now been met through the work of professionals.

Some of these goals include:

Goal 1: All young people should be ready for skilled employment or higher education by the age of 19.

Goal 2: To tackle the skills gap: increase the number of adults who have the skills for employability and progression to higher levels of training.

Tackling the skill gap was aimed at improving the basic skills level of 2.25 million as of the year 2010 and reducing the number of adults in the workforce who are lacking level 2 qualifications as of the year 2010.

There are also additional apprenticeships, internships, and trade-based training which are available to adults who are over the age of 18 years.

These can come in the form of career colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools, offering programs such as:

  • computer science,
  • programming,
  • database management,
  • Management information systems.

Now, let’s look at the list of vocational schools in the UK.

The List of Career Colleges and Vocational Schools in the UK

  • London Vocational College
  • Beaming White 
  • Bellerbys College
  • Cambridge International College
  • Centre Academy London
  • Chef Academy of London
  • CITI Limited
  • Coleg Llysfasi
  • Cornwall College
  • Gloucestershire College
  • London Language and Drama School
  • London School of Business and Finance
  • The TEFL Academy
  • Wallace College, Edinburgh Scotland
  • Westminster College London
  • Hall Cliffe School Vocational Centre

Let us review these vocational schools in the UK.

London Vocational College

London Vocational College strives to serve the needs of individuals, employers and communities from a wide range of backgrounds.

Therefore, their mission is to enable their learners to acquire knowledge, skills and behaviours that will help them to transform their lives and improve the prospects of employment and productivity in employment.

With their students succeeding and achieving their courses, LVC will contribute to the development of communities and the national skills sector.


Bellerbys College

  • Type of school: Public University
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Telephone: +44 1273 339300
  • Website: https://www.bellerbys.com/find-your-course
  • Location: 1 Billinton Way, Brighton, East Sussex, The United Kingdom, BN1 4LF

Bellerbys College is one of the vocational schools in the UK that is an educational network of four sixth form colleges that are aimed at international students.

The colleges are located in the UK and are owned by Study Group International.

It is a coeducational college that provides educational opportunities for students from more than 60 different countries of the world.

The college’s network provides about A Level courses over 6 terms, 5 terms, or 3 terms, as well as foundation programs where students choose from 7 subject streams which are:

  • Business,
  • Finance and Management,
  • Law and International Relations,
  • Engineering and Computer Science,
  • Management Computing Systems,
  • Science and Pharmacy,
  • Art and Design and Humanities

An important thing to note about this school is that its foundation program is recognized by more than 50 UK universities including Bristol, Nottingham, Leeds, and Lancaster..

Student fees and how to apply:

A-Level Program: £25,995 – £51,990

Pre-Foundation: £13,830-£20,745

Foundation: £20,745 – £27,660

Accelerated Foundation: £13,830

International Year One: £17,058

Pre-Sessional Preparation Program for PhD: £14,025- £16,000

English Language Preparation Program (1, 2 or 3 terms): £5,895

Cambridge International College

  • Type of school: Independent Private College
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Telephone: + 44 1534 485485
  • Website: http://www.cambridgecollege.co.uk
  • Location: College House, Leoville, Jersey, The United Kingdom, JE3 2DB
  • Accredited by: ODL Quality Council, College accredited and Diplomas accredited by ASET (QCA approved) – Diplomas equated against British National Framework, recognised by British Learning Association.

Cambridge International College is an accredited British College that is specialized in the provision of modern career training.

Students have the option of pursuing courses either through a professional distance-learning system or with the support of local organizations while making available campus and tutorial assistance.

This college has accumulated 70 years of experience in the design and execution of such training, and its staff is fully qualified to provide an excellent level of education.

There is a wide array of subjects available, such as:

  • Bookkeeping,
  • Accounting,
  • Finance,
  • Business,
  • Industries,
  • Economics,
  • Occupational Training,
  • English,
  • Communications,
  • Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism and Travel,
  • Marketing and more.


Centre Academy London

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Telephone: 0207 7238 2344
  • Website: http://www.centreacademylondon.eu/
  • Location: 92 St Johns Hill Battersea, London, The United Kingdom, SW11 1SH

The Centre Academy London is formed by two special needs schools in the United Kingdom:

  • Centre Academy London
  • Centre Academy East Anglia

At the two locations listed above, the institution follows the purpose to provide excellent education while enabling students who have various learning difficulties to succeed.

The school receives students who have conditions like Dyslexia, AD/HD, Dyspraxia, Asperger Syndrome, Speech and Language problems, and others.

Their admission is on a case-by-case basis and enrollment is limited to ensure small class sizes for all.

At CA London, acceptance is a total of 60 students and at CA East Anglia, a total of 40 students.

Most of their classes have just 5 to 6 students, with a great deal of one-to-one instruction incorporated into the teaching program.

The school follows the National Curriculum from Key Stage 2 through GCSE, while also offering the Life Skills program for students who are more vocationally oriented. 

All universities in the United Kingdom recognize the Diploma, and it is also worth noting that the institution has never had a Diploma graduate who has not gone directly to the university.


Chef Academy of London

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Private University
  • Telephone: +442032907201
  • Website: http://www.chefacademyoflondon.com/en/
  • Location: 57-61 MORTIMER STREET LONDON, London, The United Kingdom, W1W 8HS

Chef Academy of London offers an effective and practical training program that gives its students all of the tools that they need to start a career as a professional chef.

While studying at the Chef Academy of London, you will be followed by one of their chef trainers and will have the chance to get exposed to an insider’s view of the restaurant business.

You will equally be exposed to every single aspect of a chef’s routine which includes the food costs and the techniques that you need to start working right after graduation.

Their students learn the ropes inside London’s Michelin starred restaurants, under the guidance of professionals in a professional environment.

Their courses are effective, therefore once you complete your training, you will not only acquire the skills but also you will be able to work as a professional chef.

Their training is in Culinary Arts, Gastronomy, International Cuisine, and Food Handler.


CITI Limited

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Independent Private College
  • Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 283 600
  • Website:http://www.citi.co.uk/
  • Location: Lovat Bank, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, The United Kingdom, MK16 0EJ

CITI Limited is classified as one of the vocational schools in the UK because they are focused on the development of the professional project and program management in leading commercial and industrial organizations and the UK public sector.

This organization has also made available the following MSc Managing Major Projects and Programs, which include:

  • Portfolio Management courses,
  • Program Management courses,
  • Project Management courses, and Change Management courses.


Coleg Llysfasi

Coleg Llysfasi started its operations in 1911, primarily focusing its education in the agricultural sector, especially when it comes to agricultural training.

The teaching focus is to provide an excellent education in specialized fields of study to the students.

The following areas have been developed over the years:

  • Hairdressing
  • Beauty training
  • Business Management
  • Information Technology
  • linguistics 

Three types of courses are offered by Llysfasi, and they are:

  • Full-time (entry-level to level 3, vocational to academic),

  • Part-time (level 1-6, basic, taster, day release, continuing professional education and customizes training for employees) and

  • work-based programs (apprenticeship). 

Llysfasi’s state of the art campus offers facilities, which include a conference centre, video conference lab, sports stadium, fitness gym and library.


Cornwall College

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Community or Career College, Vocational School
  • Telephone: 44 1726 226439
  • Website: http://www.cornwall.ac.uk/
  • Location: John Keay House Tregonissey Road, St Austell, Cornwall, The United Kingdom, PL25 4DJ
  • Accreditation: State College

The main campus of Cornwall College is located in St. Austell with other campuses spread all over Cornwall, United Kingdom.

This institution has six other campuses spread over Camborne, Newquay, Saltash, Duchy, Rosewarne and Stole Climsland.

Cornwall College is one of the vocational schools in the UK that is endorsed by the government of the UK to provide corporate training. 

It is also one of the vocational schools in the UK that takes pride as a centre of vocational excellence in four departments.

They also offer a variety of apprenticeship opportunities from Accounting to Plumbing.

They offer programs in Architecture, Building & Landscape, Arts, Design and Crafts, Business, Communications, Computing, Education, Engineering, Occupational Training( Cosmetology, Woodwork and Furniture Making, Plumbing, Culinary Arts) etc.


Gloucestershire College

Gloucestershire College is one of the vocational schools in the UK that has three main sites, based in the UK – Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Royal Forest of Dean. 

The school is a well-known college for further and higher education, providing a wide array of education and training programs.

The programs include:

  • A-Levels and GCSEs,
  • vocational qualification,
  • Work-based learning,
  • Basic skills courses,
  • Higher education
  • Short courses for business,
  • Part-time day and evening courses and
  • English for overseas students. 

Courses cover a great variety of subjects, including Business, Engineering, Environmental, Hospitality, etc.


London Language and Drama School

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Language School
  • Telephone: +44 20 8830 0074
  • Website:http://www.startek-uk.com
  • Location: 30 Brondesbury Park, London, England, The United Kingdom, NW6 7DN

The London Drama School is a specialized school, focused on the Performing Arts.

They provide drama courses in small groups.

These courses come with intensive, individual, and vocational training options.

The school also prepares students for the external speech and drama examination board, as well as auditions.

The mission of the programs offered is to equip students with all the skills they need to become professional actors.

In the Full-time, Intensive courses, students will pursue disciplines like:

  • Professional Stage and Screen Acting Skills,
  • Voice and Movement,
  • Improvisation,
  • Meisner and Stanislavski,
  • Physical Theatre,
  • Stage Fighting,
  • Dance,
  • Singing,
  • Devising and Directing,
  • Theatre Sports,
  • Stand-up Comedy,
  • Clowning, and
  • Shakespeare.

At the end of the Diploma and the Professional courses, students have the opportunity to perform in a Showcase in the West End!


London School of Business and Finance

London School of Business & Finance is a non-profit institution with campuses in the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore.

Its academic portfolio includes Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, professional qualifications, and executive training courses.

There are a number of institutions that LSBF collaborate with, as well as corporate partners in order to make sure their programs consist of up-to-date industry-focused programs that reflect global market trends.

In this school, students from more than 150 countries are currently enrolled, also, students have the chance to take part in international classes and therefore they will improve their intercultural skills to a major extent.

This school has career experts that organize networking events, individual meetings, and targeted seminars.

They also manage an online service which informs students about the latest vacancies (internships and jobs).


The TEFL Academy

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Primary or Secondary School
  • Telephone: 01273 806 380
  • Website: http://www.theteflacademy.com/
  • Location: 7 Marlborough PI, Brighton, BN1 1UB

The TEFL Academy is the UK’s leading TEFL course provider. 

Their courses are designed to effectively teach their students the fundamental skills to enable them to be successful at teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).

There are also many TEFL course providers that are operating in the United Kingdom.

With so much choice, and with such a vast amount of conflicting information littered all over the internet, it can be hard for prospective TEFL course students to make the right choice.

Their combined 120 hour TEFL course aims to provide students with all the accurate information, skills, as well as training to ensure they leave the academy with a thorough understanding of teaching English, as well as a clearer picture of the TEFL industry as a whole.

TEFL Academy trainers have experienced EFL professionals and are now passing on their working knowledge to their course students.

Wallace College, Edinburgh Scotland

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Independent Private College
  • Telephone: +44 131 220 3634
  • Website: http://www.wallacecollege.co.uk
  • Location: 12 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Mid Lothian, The United Kingdom, EH1 1EE

Wallace College is a school that is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1972.

This institution aims at helping students develop the necessary skills in order to succeed in their academic and professional careers.

They provide diverse programs of English Language Courses. 

Examples of options available at the college include:

  • General English,
  • IELTS preparation,
  • First Certificate examination courses, as well as
  • Business English.

All teaching staff are fully qualified and experienced, while the Director of Studies makes sure that every of their student is enrolled on a course most suitable for them.


Westminster College London

  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Independent Private College
  • Telephone: 07452373250
  • Website: http://www.trainingtesol.com
  • Location: 27 Old Gloucester St, London, England, WC1N 3AX
  • Accreditation: International TEFL Accreditation Council

Westminster College London offers professional teacher training courses which are online and classroom-based.

They teach people how to create better lives for themselves and others as well.

Through superior provision, service, original thinking and enhanced student experience they do not want to be the best but rather they are the only ones who do what they do.

They have programs in education, language teaching, teacher preparation and online training.

Beaming White 

  • Program Available: Health
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type of School: Community or Career College, Vocational School
  • Telephone: 0208 427 7779
  • Location: 35 St Anns Road, Fitness First St Georges Shopping Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, The United Kingdom, HA1 1HS
  • Website: http://www.beamingwhite.org

Miami White! Is a UK company currently operating within London Camden High Street & Ealing Broadway.

They offer the latest treatments in Laser Cosmetic Teeth Whitening as well as Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Training.

Beaming White provides complete and thorough teeth whitening training and certification for anyone new to the business.

Their teeth whitening certification and training program is at your own pace. When you feel confident about the materials, then you take their exam.

One of their Teeth Whitening Experts is there to answer your questions during your training.

The company organizes a 1-day Teeth whitening Training, which is executed by experienced Dental Nurses and Technicians.

Hall Cliffe School Vocational Centre

The aim of the Hall Cliffe School Vocational Centre is one of the vocational schools in the UK that provides pupils with a range of opportunities so that they can reach their full potential. They have the following stages:

Pupils in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 attend Hall Cliffe School and follow the national curriculum.

Key Stage 2 students form an integrated class where the National Strategies programmes are followed.

At Key Stage 3 students are usually introduced to a range of vocational and academic subjects to ensure they have wide subject knowledge before choosing their options for Key Stage 4.

At Key Stage 4, a range of qualifications/accreditations are then offered and taught by specialist subject teachers, including:

  • GCSE
  • Entry Level Certificate
  • AQA Units of Accreditation
  • Functional skills
  • ABC Awards/certificates/diplomas
  • Construction Award Alliance

All courses have external accreditation recognised nationwide by employers and colleges.

The students also follow a life skills programme, which involves lessons taught in the classroom and experiential learning outside the classroom and that includes:

  • Personal, Social and Health Education
  • Citizenship
  • Careers Information and Guidance
  • Work-Related Learning
  • Forest School
  • Duke of Edinburgh

They provide a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities for enrichment activities through educational visits and field trips also. Visit their Website.

Some Vocational Schools in London

  • Pitman Training
  • Stanfords College UK
  • London Vocational Academy
  • Hi-Tech Training
  • Product School London
  • School of UX Design
  • Learning Tree International
  • Plumbing Training Centre East London
  • Health Kinesiology/Franky Kossy
  • School Courses & Career Development

What are your thoughts about these vocational schools in the UK? Please share your thoughts with our readers.

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