There is a course for every goal, whether you want to gain qualifications, retrain, build confidence or do something for yourself.
This time it’s for you
There comes a point when you start thinking about what’s next. A new direction. A fresh start. Or simply doing something that’s just for you.
At Northbrook College we support adults at every stage of life – whether you’re looking to progress at work, change careers, build confidence or explore a personal interest, this is your opportunity to put yourself first. No matter how long it has been since you last studied, you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting with life experience.
Why study with us?
• Rated Outstanding by Ofsted for our adult education provision
• Flexible part-time, evening and full-time study options
• Financial support available for eligible learners
• Campuses across the region with excellent facilities
• Supportive tutors with industry experience
Whatever your goal, there is a course for you
From leisure learning and hobby courses, to practical, hands-on learning, there are opportunities to suit every ambition.
You can also study GCSE English and Maths, and a wide range of free accredited online courses – all designed to help you move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re taking the first step, changing direction or building on existing skills, this could be the year you do something for you.
Don’t let financial concerns stop you studying
We’ll work with you to find out what support you may be entitled to and help you access any funding available.
Here are just some of the options available to help you fund your education.
Level 2 and 3 entitlement
Fee waivers may be available for students aged 19-23 at the start of their course who are studying their first government-designated full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
Unemployed and low wage earners
You may be eligible for fee waivers on Level 2 and below courses if you are either unemployed and in receipt of certain benefits, or you earn less than £25,750 annual gross salary.
Free courses for jobs
Free courses for jobs offer is intended to help adults gain the skills needed to improve their job prospects and is available for some designated Level 2 and 3 courses. Learners aged 19+ may be eligible for a fee waiver if they are unemployed and in receipt of certain benefits or earning less than £25,750 annual gross salary. Learners aged 19-23 may also be eligible if they earn above the threshold but do not already hold a full Level 3 qualification.
Advanced Learner Loan for Level 3 courses and higher
An Advanced Learner Loan can cover the cost of course fees and you don’t need to start repayments until your income is over a certain amount (the ‘threshold’ amount).
University-level
If you are applying for a university-level course, for example a foundation degree or top-up degree, then you can apply for a loan via Student Finance England.
Visit our website for full information on fee guidance and financial support
Refund Policy
One-day
courses
No refund will be granted to students who withdraw from a one-day class less than 14 days before the start date. In all other cases, if a student cancels their place more than 14 days prior to the course commencement a £50 administration fee is due.
Courses with a duration of less than 13 weeks
No refunds will be given where a student withdraws from the course less than 14 days prior to commencement or once the course has started. In all other cases, if a student cancels their place more than 14 days prior to the course commencement a £50 administration fee is due.
Apply and Enrol
How to apply for your course
Online
Many of our courses can be enrolled and paid for online at northbrook.ac.uk. You can apply online by searching for your course and clicking on the ‘APPLY’ button found on each course page.
Alternatively, we can send you an electronic application form by email upon request.
We’ll let you know when we’ve safely received your application with an acknowledgement letter, usually within two weeks.
Course duration of 13 weeks or more (excluding university-level students)
Where a student withdraws within the first 28 days following course commencement a £50 administration fee will be due. If a student attends beyond 28 calendar days from the course commencement, the full fee is payable.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the college in writing that they are leaving their course. Where a student feels that there are exceptional circumstances that prevent them from continuing with their studies, a written application for fee review can be made to a senior CCG representative. Each case will be judged on its merits. Applications must be made within one month of the withdrawn date held on the central student records database. Supporting evidence must be provided with the application.
Applications should be emailed to salesledger@chichester.ac.uk
Our Facilities & Campuses
At Chichester College Group, we believe learning is a lifelong journey. Across our seven colleges in Sussex and Brighton & Hove, you’ll find modern, inclusive facilities and a wide range of courses for adult learners. Each campus offers something different, helping you find the right fit for your goals, interests and routine.
Public Transport
Restaurant Parking Shops
Learning Support
Brinsbury
Learn practical, land-based skills in a unique countryside setting. With specialist facilities, a state-of-the-art forge and an animal centre, Brinsbury is ideal for adults looking to retrain or build practical skills/hobbies with animals, agriculture or the environment.
Brighton MET
Study in the heart of Brighton with access to modern workshops, digital studios and industry-relevant facilities. Choose from two campuses offering creative, technical and trade-focused learning, all within easy reach of the city and coast.
Chichester
Join a well-established college with a wide range of adult courses and strong support. Benefit from industry-standard facilities, flexible learning options and a diverse community that helps you progress with confidence.
Crawley
Gain career-ready skills in a college known for construction, engineering and STEM. With cutting-edge facilities and excellent transport links, it’s a convenient choice for an adult balancing study with work or home life.
Northbrook
Develop your creativity in a specialist arts environment with professional studios and performing spaces. Perfect for adults pursuing creative careers or building new skills or hobbies in a collaborative, inspiring setting.
Worthing
Enjoy a supportive learning environment with great facilities and easy access to the town centre. Ideal for adults looking to return to study, with flexible courses and spaces designed for focused, independent learning.
Haywards Heath
Fit study around your day with a campus close to transport links, shops and cafés. With dedicated creative studios, a professional theatre and quiet study spaces, Haywards Heath makes it easy to return to learning.
Arts & Crafts
Unleash your creativity with Northbrook’s renowned creative courses. Whether you’re exploring a new passion or advancing existing skills, you’ll learn in specialist workshops designed to inspire, create and bring your ideas to life.
Clare Parfree-Mitchell, studied Jewellery Making in Metal for Improvers
Meet the Lecturer
“I started teaching jewellery classes 10 years ago this September at Northbrook! I completed my BA (Hons) Silversmithing Jewellery and Allied Crafts degree in 1999 at Sir John Cass (now part of London Metropolitan University). I love teaching jewellery making and seeing students develop skills to go on and sell their work.”
Mireille Clark, HE Facilitator & Associate ACL Lecturer
with Watercolours
Pottery - Handbuilding and Throwing for Beginners and Improvers
Dressmaking
If you’re passionate about fashion or love the detail and creativity of garment making, our dressmaking courses cater for all skill levels and offer a great way to bring your ideas to life.
Scan here to find out more & apply
“I like that the course was in the evenings and it was something my mum and I could learn together. She learnt a lot more skills that she hadn't know before. I recommend doing this course to expand your knowledge and to try something you've never done before.”
James Sutherland
GCSEs for Adults
Scan
Whether you are looking to get your GCSE qualification or improve your confidence in English & Maths, we are here to help. Our tutors are supportive, friendly and experienced. We have excellent achievement rates and will work with you to help reach your goals.
*Free for adults who have not achieved a C/4 in their GCSEs and meet the Home Residency requirements. Fees may apply if this criteria is NOT met.
Photography
Scan here to find out more & apply
Unlock the full potential of your digital camera with our photography courses. Learn the technical and artistic sides of photography to capture images you’ll be proud of.
Woodwork
Whether you’re new to woodwork or looking to build on existing skills, you’ll learn how to use a range of hand tools, prepare timber and create a variety of project pieces. Gain the practical knowledge needed to craft furniture and other wooden items with confidence and precision.
This time it’s for Sarah
One of our incredibly talented woodwork students, Sarah Carter, had the fortune of being featured in an episode of Grand Designs, allowing her to show her woodworking skills to a national audience!
“The woodwork course has really enabled me to have a significant involvement in the building of this house and project, and the joy of being able to live here and touch and use the things from that course is a fantastic feeling.”
Sarah Carter, Woodwork course
Unlock your potential with Skills Bootcamps
Your fast-track to career progression
Ready to develop sector-specific skills?
Skills Bootcamps are flexible, intensive training programmes lasting up to 16 weeks. Whether you’re looking to boost your career or make a career change, these programmes are designed to fast-track your career by giving you the skills that employers are looking for.
Designed for adults aged 19+, Skills Bootcamps focus on delivering practical training and support, helping you gain the confidence needed to excel in your chosen sector.
Why choose Skills Bootcamps?
Industry-aligned training: Developed with employers to meet sector-specific needs.
Flexible and practical: Structured programmes tailored to help you gain real-world experience.
Fast-track career progression: Whether you’re in work or transitioning into a new role, Skills Bootcamps accelerate your career.
Who can join?
Adults 19+ (as of start date)
In work or self-employed professionals looking to upskill or grow their business
Recently unemployed or those returning to work
Adults seeking career changes into a new sector
Adults not already enrolled in formal education
Bootcamps are available in these high-demand sectors:
Business
Digital
Green Technologies
Hospitality & Catering
These Bootcamps are delivered across our colleges: Brighton MET College, Chichester College, Crawley College and Northbrook College. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Upskill your workforce
Give your staff the skills they need to succeed in new roles or advance in their current positions. Enjoy substantial discounts on course fees by referring employees to Skills Bootcamps.
Eligibility criteria apply.
Construction
Early Years
Health & Social Care
For more information or to register your interest, visit chigroup.ac.uk and search Skills Bootcamps. Scan
Made of more
Creative and Motorsport degrees at Northbrook College
Whether your future lies in the creative industries or on the racetrack, our degrees are designed for adults ready to develop their talents, change direction or take the next step in their career.
From the professional studios and workshops at our West Durrington campus to the specialist motorsport facilities at Shoreham Airport, you’ll learn in environments that mirror the industries you aspire to join. Supported by expert tutors and practical, hands-on experience, you’ll graduate with the confidence, skills and industry insight needed to succeed.
With degrees validated by the prestigious University of the Arts London and a reputation for producing graduates who go on to exciting careers, Northbrook offers a university-level experience that’s anything but ordinary.
To learn more about our courses scan here or visit: northbrook.ac.uk/ made-of-more-2027
Our degrees:
+ BA (Hons) Acting
+ BA (Hons) Costume Design for Performance & Film
+ BA (Hons) Dance & Professional Practice
+ BA (Hons) Fashion Design
+ BA (Hons) Fine Art
+ BA (Hons) Graphic Design
+ BA (Hons) Illustration
+ BA (Hons) Makeup & Hair for Theatre & Media
+ FdEng Motorsport Engineering
+ BSc (Hons) Top-up
Motorsport Technology
+ BA (Hons) Music Business & Management
+ BA (Hons) Music Production
+ BA (Hons) Music Performer & Practitioner
+ BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
+ BA (Hons) Photography with Lens-based Practices
+ BA (Hons) Prop Making & Special Effects
+ BA (Hons) Stage Management & Technical Theatre
+ BA (Hons) Textiles for Art, Fashion & Interiors
Free Online Courses
Looking to expand your skills, start your dream career or gain CPD? Distance learning could be for you!
Access course content anytime via our online platform and receive detailed feedback from your assessor. Our friendly team is here to support your return to education. Boost your CV with our free online courses and gain the edge you need!
Subject areas include:
Business & Management Childcare
Coding & Digital Marketing
Health Care
Sport & Fitness
Why Choose Us:
Get help and support from your assigned tutor
Achieve a recognised Level 2 certificate No college attendance required Courses take 4–12 weeks to complete at your own pace, any time of day
Receive online course materials and log in to your own learning portal
This qualification is particularly meaningful to me. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 14, and completing this course has allowed me to better understand my own learning profile, as well as the experiences of so many children and young people today.”
Jessica McMahon, Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Please note: To be eligible to complete a VRQ you must be at least 19 years of age and/or over and you will need to be living in England for three consecutive years or more. This is due to Government funding rules. If you have any enquiries relating to our free courses, please email: DistanceLearning@chigroup.ac.uk
Routes into Employment
Chichester College Group, working in partnership with West Sussex County Council, is delivering its ‘Routes into Employment’ programmes in the following sectors:
Routes into Construction
Routes into Health and Early Years
Routes into the ‘Green’ sector
These professional courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications which can help boost your career prospects.
Courses have an attendance over one or two weeks at Chichester, Crawley, Northbrook and Haywards Heath Colleges. All courses have practical elements which simulate real work environments.
These courses are open to adults resident across West Sussex and neighbouring areas (East Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire).
To find out more visit chigroup.ac.uk/routes
Quotes from recent attendees across our courses:
I was glad to join and study your course. This course helped me to be more confident and to find a new job. Now I have been working in a nursery in Worthing for four months and I am very satisfied with my new job. Thank you very much for the training, this certificate is the basis of my work.”
I feel like construction courses like this are great to help people see if this is what they want to pursue instead of going straight to a full course.”
Never done anything like this before–I really enjoyed it. Lots of information and great teachers.”
I think the course is such a broad one and has opened many avenues in further interests of employment.”
Everything I’ve learned will be so helpful in my intended career.”
This course helped me to understand about job interviews.”
Open Events
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our Open Events. For more information, visit our website or scan the QR code below:
Autumn:
• Thursday 8 October 2026 4.30-7pm
• Saturday 14 November 2026 10am-1pm
Spring:
• Tuesday 2 March 2027 4.30-7pm
Scan me for Northbrook Open Events
01903 273060 enquiries-worthing@gbmc.ac.uk northbrook.ac.uk
Disclaimer: Information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of printing (July 2026). Please ensure you check our website or speak to an admissions advisor for latest course information.