Norland College, an institution renowned for training elite nannies for royal families and affluent clients, has been granted university status by the Office for Students. The college, founded in 1892 and located in Bath, England, will officially be renamed Norland University of Early Childhood starting in September. This designation makes it the world's first university dedicated to early childhood education.
With an enrollment of approximately 400 students, Norland University will be one of the smallest universities in England. The institution's new status will allow it to expand its academic offerings, including postgraduate teaching and a new online master's degree focused on child behavior and nutrition. Currently, students pursue a three-year bachelor's degree in early childhood education and care alongside a four-year diploma. The annual tuition is over £17,000, though students can only borrow up to £6,185 per year.
Norland College has a distinctive training approach. Students learn a wide range of skills, from traditional childcare practices to subjects like Taekwondo, getaway driving, and martial arts, often described as more akin to James Bond than Mary Poppins. The college also mandates a specific £1,000 uniform, consisting of a brown dress or tweed blazer with chinos, and enforced rules such as prohibitions against eating at fast-food restaurants or wearing headphones while in uniform.
Graduates from Norland are highly sought after, with starting salaries averaging £50,000 per year in the UK and overseas, and some experienced nannies commanding up to £120,000 annually, often with additional perks like travel and accommodation. The college's recruitment agency reports five vacancies for every graduate. Notable alumni include Maria Borrallo, who has cared for the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Dr. Janet Rose, the principal, stated that achieving university title is a significant milestone that will strengthen the college's ability to advance research, influence policy, and shape the future of early childhood education. The college received 230 applications for 100 places last year, indicating high demand.
The curriculum at Norland encompasses social science, psychology, child health, history, literature, and education. Trainees also receive training in pediatric first aid, cyber-security, and personal security, alongside child-rearing techniques. The institution emphasizes core qualities such as being loving, kind, honest, creative, practical, and responsible, with a commitment to continuous learning and prioritizing the well-being of children and families. Graduates are bound by a professional code of conduct that stresses privacy and confidentiality regarding employers.