Associate Member:

City College Plymouth

Organisation Type:
Further Education College

Contact details
Address: 3rd Floor, 25-29 Queen Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1NB

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 305 300

ABOUT

City College Plymouth is a leading further and higher education institution offering a diverse range of courses designed to meet the needs of learners at every stage of life. With over 300 programmes spanning technical, vocational and professional disciplines, the College provides opportunities for school leavers, adult learners and those seeking to upskill or retrain. From apprenticeships and foundation degrees to bespoke training for employers, the College is committed to delivering high-quality education that supports individual aspirations and workforce development. Its strong partnerships with industry and local organisations ensure that students gain relevant, hands-on experience and graduate with the skills employers value.

The College prides itself on its inclusive and supportive learning environment, where small class sizes and dedicated tutors foster personal growth and academic success. As a recognised Google for Education Reference College, it integrates digital tools across the curriculum to enhance learning and prepare students for modern careers. Whether pursuing a new passion or advancing in a chosen field, City College Plymouth empowers learners to take control of their future through education that is both practical and inspiring.

City College Plymouth is a dynamic further and higher education institution with a heritage stretching back to 1887. Offering more than 300 technical, vocational and professional programmes, the College delivers everything from Level 1 diplomas to foundation degrees and bachelor’s degree top-ups in partnership with the University of Plymouth. Recognised as a Gold award holder in the Teaching Excellence Framework and rated ‘Good with outstanding features’ by Ofsted, it specialises in subject areas spanning engineering, computing, health and social care, hospitality, creative industries and more. Its modern campus on Kings Road features purpose-built facilities including a dedicated STEM centre, workshops and digital labs, all designed to mirror industry environments. These facilities underpin expert teaching by practitioners who blend academic rigour with practical know-how, ensuring graduates leave equipped for the demands of today’s workplace.

Alongside full‐time study, City College Plymouth provides flexible learning routes to suit every learner profile. Apprenticeships and traineeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, while adult and community learners benefit from evening and weekend courses in subjects such as English, maths and digital skills. T Levels and supported internships offer additional pathways for students aged 16–19 to gain employer-led experience. A recognised Google for Education Reference College, City College Plymouth embeds digital tools into lessons, enhancing collaboration and remote learning. Its Skills Bootcamps and short courses address emerging sector needs — from cybersecurity and data analytics to advanced manufacturing — enabling both individuals and local businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Internationalisation has been central to the College’s strategy for over 15 years, enriching its curriculum and community. More than 100 students each year undertake work placements and training in countries including Spain, France, China, Malaysia and South Africa, developing cultural awareness and global employability skills. Staff exchange programmes through Erasmus+ and British Council International Skills Partnerships have seen tutors experience education systems in Thailand and South Africa, fostering new teaching approaches on return. The College’s Summer Enrichment Programme offers international learners two weeks of intensive English tuition alongside vocational taster sessions, giving participants a taste of UK study life. These initiatives have driven higher attendance, boosted motivation and enhanced academic outcomes, with some cohorts achieving record-breaking pass and retention rates.

City College Plymouth’s International and Partnerships teams extend its reach beyond the campus, collaborating with training providers and employers worldwide. In Asia-Pacific, formal alliances facilitate double-diploma programmes, guest lectures and study trips for high school students in Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. These bespoke projects—often delivered in partnership with specialist overseas advisory organisations—enable local learners to earn UK-recognised credits while experiencing British vocational training. Back home, the College’s bespoke employer training offers professional development in project management, leadership, digital marketing and more. Through virtual tours, industry masterclasses and consultancy, City College Plymouth continues to empower learners and organisations alike with the skills, knowledge and international perspective needed to thrive in a globalised workplace.

City College Plymouth offers over 300 specialist programmes across technical, vocational and professional disciplines, ensuring learners find a course that matches their interests and career ambitions.
Full-time and part-time study options range from Level 1 diplomas to foundation degrees and bachelor’s top-up qualifications, delivered in partnership with the University of Plymouth.
More than 50 apprenticeship standards blend on-the-job training with classroom learning, developing industry-specific skills in areas such as engineering, business administration and hospitality.
T Levels equip 16–19 year olds with employer-designed technical qualifications, combining classroom teaching with a minimum of 45 days’ industry placement.
Skills Bootcamps and short courses deliver intensive training in priority sectors—like cybersecurity, data analytics and advanced manufacturing—helping individuals and local employers address emerging skills gaps.
Supported internships and traineeships provide structured work-based learning for students with additional needs, building confidence, independence and employability.
Adult and community education programmes offer flexible evening and weekend classes in core subjects such as English, maths and digital literacy, supporting lifelong learning.
As a recognised Google for Education Reference College, digital tools and blended-learning approaches are embedded across the curriculum to enhance accessibility and collaboration.

Bespoke employer training encompasses professional development workshops in leadership, project management and digital marketing, tailored to meet specific business objectives.
Foundation Apprenticeships enable 16–21 year olds, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan or care leavers, to gain hands-on workplace experience while studying towards nationally recognised qualifications.
State-of-the-art facilities—including a dedicated STEM centre, advanced manufacturing workshops, commercial kitchens and professional hair and beauty salons—simulate real-world working environments.
International Skills Partnerships and Erasmus+ staff exchanges foster global collaboration, with tutors gaining insights from education systems in Thailand, South Africa and beyond to enrich teaching practice.
Over 100 students each year undertake international placements in Spain, France, China, Malaysia and South Africa, developing cultural awareness and global employability competencies.
The Summer Enrichment Programme invites international learners to experience intensive English language tuition alongside vocational taster sessions, preparing them for UK study and multicultural workplaces.
Strong industry links and employer advisory boards ensure curricula remain current, with businesses contributing to course design, providing placements and delivering sector-specific masterclasses.
The Employer Solutions team supports organisations across Plymouth and beyond—offering recruitment assistance, funding advice, training needs analysis and ongoing account management to drive workforce development.