About Us

College of North West London

College of North West London (CNWL) is part of United Colleges Group (UCG), one of the largest providers of post-16 education and training in Greater London. As a multi-site institution with a strong community presence, we are committed to providing open, inclusive access to education and playing an active role in the economic, social and business life of the communities we serve.

With five campuses across Westminster, Camden and Brent, United Colleges Group is well placed to improve the life chances of every learner who joins us. Our focus is on delivering high-quality education and support that enables students of all ages to achieve their ambitions.

In 2024/25, 91% of learners progressed to positive destinations, including paid employment, apprenticeships, or Further and Higher Education, an increase on the previous year’s outcomes. Student feedback also reflects the quality of the college experience, with over 90% of students reporting positive experiences across key areas of college life. These include settling in through induction, well-organised classes, clear assessment tasks, and making good progress on their chosen course. Students overwhelmingly agree that they feel respected, supported, and are achieving their personal goals.

United Colleges Group was awarded an overall ‘Good’ effectiveness rating by Ofsted following its inspection in December 2024. Inspectors praised the Group’s “extensive curriculum offer which aligns exceptionally well with skills priorities in London” and highlighted how “staff support and encourage learners and apprentices to overcome any barriers to their success, enabling them to actively participate in and enjoy their education.” In 2025, UCG was admitted to the Chartered Institution for Further Education, the only organisation in the UK with royal assent to confer Chartered Status on excellent Further Education providers.

Our aim is to support every student. Whether starting out, changing direction, or progressing further, to realise their ambitions, whether that means moving on to university, securing a well-paid job, or beginning a new career pathway.

ucg-values

Our Purpose

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Our Values:

Our college believes in:

Inclusion & belonging

We embrace diversity and take pro-active steps to be inclusive

Mutual trust and respect

We communicate openly and transparently and assume positive intent

Putting our students first

We put students first in everything we do

Always improving

We embrace a mindset of perpetual growth, seeking constant improvements in processes, education, and personal development of peers and our students

Compassion and empathy

We care about each other, our wellbeing, our development and actively seek to understand and validate the feelings of others

Learning at CNWL

From fully equipped workshops and professional hair and beauty salons, to learning resource centres and dedicated study spaces, you have everything you need for a great student experience.

Find out more about Learning at CNWL

Come and visit us!

Whether you already know what you want to study, or looking for some inspiration, we would love to see you at our upcoming Open Events. The perfect way to find out more about life at the College of North West London, our Open Events are open to school leavers, those looking for Apprenticeships and adult learners interested in professional, degree level or leisure courses.

Find out more about our Open Events

Contact us

Our dedicated and friendly Information and Advice team can talk through your course options and provide additional information and guidance.

Get in touch