An Introduction to Capital City College
Capital City College (CCC) is London’s largest further education college group, providing outstanding education and training across the capital.
The College includes its Apprenticeships+ arm that trains over 2,000 apprentices per annum plus a range of other training in partnership with employers, including Skills Bootcamps; a social enterprise, Visionnaires; and a unique coding school, 01 Founders. Capital City College is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of its students and the broader communities it serves.
It traces back to 1828 with the establishment of Grove House School in Tottenham, known for its pioneering curriculum and notable alumni. This tradition of innovation continued with the founding of the Westminster Technical Institute in the 1890s, which later opened the UK’s first culinary arts school.
The formation of Capital City College in 2016 brought these institutions together, creating a unified group that operates twelve centres across central and north London. Today, Capital City College trains over 35,000 students annually, offering a broad range of courses including A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships, degrees, professional qualifications, and various vocational qualifications.
Apprenticeships+ provides high-quality apprenticeships and courses designed to meet the needs of employers and students alike, supporting businesses with professional development and work placements. Visionnaires - another important aspect of the college’s work - offers free support to adults aiming to start their own business, helping them turn their ideas into viable ventures.
The College also collaborates with 01 Founders, further displaying Capital City College’s innovative approach to education, establishing a free-to-access coding school that employs a gamified, peer-to-peer learning model that makes coding education engaging and accessible to all.
Capital City College is a leader in further education, combining a rich history with a forward-thinking approach that meets both the needs of its students and the wider community. Through a diverse educational offering and innovative initiatives, Capital City College continues to make a significant impact, reinforcing its position as a premier further education provider.
1.2. Capital City College’s purpose
A clearly defined purpose drives innovation, boosts employee and student engagement, enhances reputation, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.
Further education institutions like Capital City College remain leaders when it comes to a focus on purpose and social justice, with the core of the organisations practices always being about providing skills to individuals to allow them to thrive.
It is dedicated to fostering social and economic progress through education, providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities, and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Central to Capital City College’s mission are its core values of real-life learning, connected community and expanded horizons. These values drive the College’s approach to education, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students and staff can excel.
Capital City College is also committed to breaking down the barriers to opportunity that many communities face across Greater London.
It underpins equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its students and staff, as well as ensuring equal opportunities for all. This commitment is central to the College’s operations, influencing everything from policymaking to the everyday experiences of community members.
Breaking down the barriers to education and employment is a core purpose of Capital City College. It achieves this through a range of programmes designed to meet the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.
This inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
Recognising the substantial personal and social barriers faced by learners in the local communities, Capital City College has adopted a student-centric approach. Understanding student motivations and barriers to accessing education has informed the creation of responsive learning opportunities, aimed at fostering participation and retention. Capital City College offers comprehensive support services, which include financial aid, career counselling, and tailored learning plans. This is critical, as Capital City College is going beyond just opening its doors to everyone, it is proactively removing barriers to success.
Capital City College proudly serves diverse and underserved communities, including those from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds. Our proactive outreach efforts and partnerships with key community stakeholders enable us to engage with prospective learners from minority communities. Collaborating closely with schools, local authorities and community partners nurtures a sense of belonging and supports learners transitioning to college education.
This collaborative approach ensures that the unique needs of diverse communities are not just acknowledged but actively addressed. Active collaboration with local businesses, government agencies, and non-profits help address wider social challenges, but also create employment pathways. This is supported more widely by bespoke training programmes. These align with the needs of the local job market, ensuring that students acquire the skills most directly relevant to helping them get on in life.
The College’s social enterprise, Visionnaires, highlights the organisation’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and individual prosperity. Through offering free courses and mentorship to aspiring business leaders, Visionnaires helps individuals turn their business ideas into reality, promoting innovation and economic growth in their communities.
Evident throughout everything it does, Capital City College is guided by a central underpinning belief in equity, diversity, and inclusion. The College’s policies and practices are designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and staff, fostering a culture of respect and mutual support.
Through an underpinning focus on social justice, Capital City College not only delivers exceptional education and training, but is also a positive leader and agent for social development - that breaks down barriers to opportunity and helps build stronger, more resilient communities across London.
Our proactive outreach efforts and partnerships with key community stakeholders enable us to engage with prospective learners from minority communities.
1.3. Britain’s skills challenge
The United Kingdom is currently experiencing a skills gap, where the abilities employers seek do not match those available within the workforce.
Sectors including engineering, healthcare, and information technology frequently report a challenging lack of skilled professionals. As the economy becomes more technologybased, the need for digital expertise has grown - yet many job applicants are found lacking in both technical and essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
This raises the question: how can the UK maintain its status as a leading economy if these skill shortages persist?
Historically, the UK’s economic growth has been driven largely by a robust financial services industry, particularly centred in London. However, this heavy reliance on the successful finance sector may have obscured deeper issues within the economy. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the UK’s productivity has trailed behind that of other advanced nations, with skills shortages frequently cited as a contributing factor.
As identified by the Department of Education, a crucial role of the further education (FE) sector is to address this skills gap. As the economy experiences a period of rapid change - particularly in light of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ related to artificial intelligence - the demand for a skilled workforce has become more pressing. This outlines the increasing importance of the FE sector, which not only responds to the current needs of the labour market but also anticipates future demands to ensure the UK workforce remains competitive.
The sector is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges due to its close collaboration with employers and its flexibility in adapting to shifting educational and economic circumstances.
FE institutions ensure their curricula remain relevant and current, often integrating work-based learning and industry placements. This approach provides students with practical experience and supplies local employers with a ready talent pool.
The sector also plays a vital role in the nation’s economic and social development. According to the Association of Colleges, every pound the Government invests in FE returns £24 to the economy.
Beyond economic contributions, the FE sector significantly impacts individuals’ lives.
Known for its inclusion and accessibility, the sector serves a diverse demographic, including young school leavers, adult learners, and those seeking career changes. Through flexible learning options, such as part-time courses and apprenticeships, FE colleges make education and training available to people from various backgrounds.
As a result of these factors and specific specialties, the sector is a powerful vehicle for social justice. It offers many individuals the chance to obtain qualifications and skills that can enhance their employment opportunities and earnings. Many FE students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the education they receive greatly improves their prospects. The Social Mobility Commission has highlighted the critical role FE colleges play in helping disadvantaged young people succeed.
In summary, the UK’s further education sector is essential in addressing the country’s skills gap. By providing accessible, inclusive, and relevant education and training, FE institutions are key to closing this gap, driving economic growth, and enhancing social mobility - an area where Britain has long struggled.
As the economy continues to evolve rapidly, investing in a strong FE sector is not only a strategic move to boost economic growth but also a commitment to creating a more equitable Britain.
1.4. Breaking down Britain’s barriers
The Purpose Coalition measures organisations against a set of sector-relevant social impact criteria. These goals outline 15 interconnected impact barriers to opportunity. By drawing on expertise provided by academia and business, the Goals are designed to specifically address some of the unique challenges facing the UK.
The Coalition’s cross-party work brings together the UK’s most innovative leaders, parliamentarians and businesses to improve, share best practice, and develop solutions for improving the role that organisations can play for their customers, colleagues and communities by breaking down barriers to opportunity.
The Purpose Coalition is chaired by Rt Hon Justine Greening, the UK’s former Secretary of State for Education, Transport and International Development; and led by Nick Forbes CBE, who recently served in Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, and who leads the Purpose Coalition’s work with the Labour Party; Rt Hon Anne Milton, former Minister for Apprenticeships and a Minister in the Department for Health and Social Care; and Lord Walney, former No 10 Advisor to Gordon Brown and Labour Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness.
The goals were designed following Justine Greening’s experience as Secretary of State for International Development - leading the UK’s delegation to the convention of the United Nations (UN) that established the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Purpose Goals apply the SDGs in a UK context.
The SDGs as interlinked goals emphasised the interdependent environmental, social, and economic aspects of development and centralised the role of sustainability. At the time, Justine recognised how transformative a common set of accessible but ambitious goals could be in galvanising action to effect change. After leaving Government in 2019, Justine established the Purpose Coalition and Social Mobility Pledge with the intention of galvanising UK economic and social actors to improve social mobility in the UK.
The Purpose Goals focus on key life stages and highlight the main issues that need to be resolved to break down barriers to opportunity in the UK. The Goals are intended to guide ambition, provoke action and measure progress.
Coalition’s goals
Capital City College is active across all 15 Purpose Goals but is specifically focused on showcasing best practice and upscaling its social impact in key areas of strategic expertise as identified in this Impact Report.
2.1. Goal 3: Positive destinations post 16+
A lack of positive destinations Post 16+ is one of the major central barriers to opportunity across Britain. Every student is unique, so making the right decisions as they transition from school is crucial. Britain’s goal should be to ensure that all students have a positive destination after the age of 16, whether individuals are moving on from GCSEs or taking the next steps in their education.
Traditionally, many students have been guided toward an academic path, pursuing A-Levels and then progressing to higher education and a university degree. It’s important that this pathway remains open for those who have the potential and desire to pursue it.
Equally vital is offering strong alternatives, particularly for those who prefer a both technical academic pathways and non-academic routes, through FE.
2.1.1. Supporting a wide range of pathways
Capital City College plays an important role in guiding students towards positive destinations post-16 by offering a wide range of courses, including A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education qualifications.
It is also committed to continually improving the learner experience for both post-16 and adult students. Through assessing the learner experience across the college’s ten campuses, Capital City College ensures that students receive consistent and high-quality support tailored to their needs.
Recognising the significant demographic split between adult and younger students, Capital City College tailors its curriculum and support services accordingly. The largest provisions are at the Angel and King’s Cross campuses, where efforts are concentrated on delivering relevant and impactful education to younger learners.
A well-structured programme of extracurricular and enrichment activities helps learners expand their knowledge and skills beyond academic, technical, or vocational subjects. This approach enables Capital City College to take targeted
action to address the disadvantages faced by specific student groups. Such actions involve providing tailored resources or implementing additional, customised support to benefit particular disadvantaged students.
For Adult students Capital City College has crafted a substantial offering of short and easily accessible courses designed to enhance adult learners’ skillsets. Leveraging real-time labour market data on job vacancies in London, Capital City College has developed a diverse portfolio comprising over 620 free part-time short courses. These courses are tailored to achieve specific employment outcomes and have attracted more than 22,000 learners in the past five years. The course selection spans a wide spectrum, encompassing areas such as accounts and bookkeeping, digital skills like HTML/CSS, Web 3 & Metaverse, sports nutrition and massage, construction trades, hair & beauty, health, care, counselling, data analysis, science, and many more.
2.1.2. Preparing students for employment
98% of students achieve positive destinations after completing their studies, a high success rate that shows Capital City College’s effectiveness in preparing students for their next steps. This means that the vast majority of students progress into employment, further training, or higher education upon completing their studies.
These outcomes reflect the College’s effective strategies in preparing students for the next steps in their academic or professional journeys.
Capital City College has implemented a comprehensive group mentoring program aimed at addressing the complex challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly its negative impact on the career prospects of young students. The initiative’s primary goal is to broaden horizons, enhance prospects, and equip students with essential skills for success in education, employment, and life through transformative mentorship opportunities.
In collaboration with a diverse range of external stakeholders, Capital City College focused on young people facing significant barriers to realising their potential. The voices of these young individuals were central to shaping and delivering the initiative. Capital City College focused on marginalised groups, including looked after children, black and ethnic minorities, and those eligible for free school meals. The program saw participation grow from 1,800 learners in 2021-22 to 2,500 in 2023-24, with young people’s voices integral to its design and delivery.
Apprenticeships+ further prepares students for successful careers by offering high-quality apprenticeships and courses tailored to the needs of employers. This alignment with industry ensures that students transition smoothly into the workforce.
Recognising the transformative potential of technology, Capital City College advocates for increased investment in technological solutions, including artificial intelligence. Despite facing funding constraints, the College believes that strategic technological investments can significantly enhance performance, improve learning experiences, and expand community engagement.
Capital City College maintains high standards of teaching, learning, and assessmentensuring that all students receive a quality education. The incorporation of technology improves learning experiences and provides additional support mechanisms, contributing to improved outcomes for learners from various backgrounds. Students are linked to employers throughout their journey, benefiting from an array of master classes, mentoring and work placements. They are taught by industry expert staff within industry leading resources enhancing work readiness.
2.1.3. Targeted interventions in STEM
Recognising the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, Capital City College has introduced targeted programmes such as Girls into STEM and Women in Leadership.
These initiatives aim to encourage female participation in STEM subjects and leadership roles. Through these efforts, the college has achieved a 60% female participation rate in its STEM programmes, demonstrating significant progress towards gender balance in these areas.
2.2. Goal 4: Right advice and experiences
A lack of access to timely and appropriate advice and experiences is a major barrier to opportunity in communities right across the country.
It is still all too often the case that individuals are unable to “be what they can’t see”. Providing students and the wider population with excellent career advice and opportunities for broader experiences that expand their horizons and connect their studies to real-world contexts is crucial.
This support can be the difference between a student understanding the opportunities available to them and knowing how to take the necessary steps or being left in the dark.
Ensuring consistent access to high-quality careers advice, support, mentoring, and work experience is a vital step in enhancing social justice and is key underpinning across leading FE colleges like Capital City College.
Capital City College’s Careers Education programme takes a personalised approach to careers education, recognising that each student’s journey is unique. Capital City College offer a range of targeted programmes, such as Legal Action for aspiring lawyers and bespoke employability activities for SEND and ESOL students. This ensures that all students, regardless of their background or aspirations, receive the guidance and support they need to make informed decisions about their future.
The Capital City College Matrix report noted their commitment to inclusivity which is reflected in their success in supporting vulnerable students.
94% of Looked After children received tailored IAG and successfully completed their courses, demonstrating the effectiveness of our targeted interventions.
Every learner at Capital City College has unrestricted access to engage with a fully qualified careers and employability advisor and the availability of this service is extensively promoted throughout our college centres, ensuring learners are well-informed about how and when they can access the service.
Capital City College have developed a comprehensive careers & employability blog, showcasing a wide array of opportunities, from industry insight days to paid internships. This platform empowers our students to actively explore and engage with various career pathways, facilitating informed decision-making about their future.
2.2.1. Student support services
Capital City College provides a range of support services, including financial aid, career counselling, and tailored learning plans. These services ensure that students receive the right advice and support throughout their education journey, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Capital City College utilises data analytics to identify achievement gaps among different student groups. Analysing metrics including retention rates and academic performance, the college implements data-driven strategies to address disparities.
This proactive approach allows for timely interventions and adjustments to curricula, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
2.2.2. Cultivating wider skills
Visionnaires, the college’s social enterprise, offers free courses and mentorship to adults looking to start their own businesses. This initiative provides practical entrepreneurial skills but also guidance and support needed to turn ideas into viable ventures.
Originally designed to support students and local residents in realising their business ideas, Visionaries operates as a social enterprise within the college.
Through providing resources and mentorship, the programme has guided 2,000 alumni, with 20% successfully trading profitably. This initiative exemplifies the college’s commitment to empowering individuals through entrepreneurship.
Understanding the importance of cultural capital in student success, Capital City College provides support that extends beyond academic instruction.
The college recognises that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds may lack certain social and cultural experiences that can impact their confidence and employability.
By offering programmes that build cultural awareness and soft skills, Capital City College helps students navigate professional environments more effectively.
2.2.3. Employer engagement strategies
The College prioritises building sustained relationships with employers to offer meaningful work experience opportunities.
To do so, it needs to comprehensively understand the needs of both employers and students, Capital City College ensures that placements are mutually beneficial. This strategy not only enriches the students’ practical skills but also helps employers access a pool of well-prepared candidates.
Recognising the importance of strong employer relationships, Capital City College actively engages with industry partners to enhance educational outcomes. Employer involvement not only enriches the curriculum but also provides students with valuable networking opportunities. This engagement ensures that the college’s programmes remain aligned with current industry standards and expectations.
Capital City College leverage partnerships with external stakeholders to provide students with unique insights into various industries. For example, their collaboration with ISG Construction exposed students to cutting-edge VR technology in the construction sector, broadening their understanding of potential career paths.
The College prioritises building sustained relationships with employers to offer meaningful work experience opportunities.
Capital City College focus on providing real-world experiences has resulted in enhanced student outcomes. Students across all curriculum areas have engaged with industry professionals through workshops, visits, and encounters, leading to improved destinations. Many students have successfully progressed to apprenticeships, further study, or employment, showcasing the programme’s positive impact on their career trajectories.
2.2.4. Comprehensive work experience and mentoring initiatives
Capital City College mandates 70 hours of work experience for all 16-18 students. This extensive programme is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Capital City College’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated through initiatives like the Turing Mobility Scheme, which provides disadvantaged and underrepresented students with international work experience opportunities in South Korea. This programme not only enhances students’ technical skills but also fosters essential soft skills such as cross-cultural communication, preparing them for the global labour market.
It collaborates with a diverse range of employers - ensuresing that students can apply their learning in real-world settings, enhancing their employability and professional skills.
The college offers over 50 mentoring programmes, including those focused on social mobility and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
These initiatives connect students with experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and inspiration. Mentoring plays a crucial role in raising aspirations and helping students navigate potential career paths.
2.3. Goal 14: Achieve equity through diversity & inclusion
Achieve equality, through diversity & inclusion
The lack of equity, diversity, and inclusion is a significant barrier to opportunity, and this challenge is directly relevant to FE colleges.
Diversity matters in every sector, including education, because it brings a wider range of perspectives, improves decision-making, and fosters an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Just as diverse companies perform better, FE colleges that embrace diversity are better equipped to serve their student populations and prepare them for a diverse and global workforce.
FE colleges are crucial in shaping the future leaders of society, and it is essential that these institutions reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. However, the leadership within education, like in business and politics, often skews toward those from more privileged backgrounds, leaving many voices unheard and talents untapped. Through promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within FE colleges, we can help break down the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups - whether based on gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, or socio-economic background - from accessing opportunities.
2.3.1.
Underpinning EDI
Capital City College is committed to breaking down barriers to education and employment, particularly for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. The College ensures that everyone, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to and is supported to achieve a good education.
Capital City College’s strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion is central to its purpose. By celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its students and staff, and fostering a supportive environment, Capital City College promotes equity and ensures that all members of its community have a chance to thrive.
The provision of tailored learning plans and other support services also contributes to achieving equity by addressing individual needs and helping every student overcome personal challenges.
Our commitment to inclusivity extends to targeted initiatives such as ‘Women into Construction,’ which exemplify our proactive stance in combating gender disparities in traditionally male-dominated fields. By crafting programmes specifically aimed at underrepresented groups, Capital City College actively champions diversity and inclusion within these sectors.
2.3.2.
Inclusive understanding of social mobility
Capital City College embraces a comprehensive understanding of social mobility that extends beyond socio-economic factors to include race, ethnicity, and disability.
This broadened perspective ensures that the College’s initiatives address the variation of barriers individuals face, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equal opportunities for all members of the community.
2.3.3.
Governance and employee participation
Capital City College embraces a comprehensive understanding of social mobility that extends beyond socio-economic factors to include race, ethnicity, and disability.
Capital City College is committed to widening participation in education, recognising its pivotal role in enabling learners of all ages and backgrounds to unlock their potential, enhance life prospects, and contribute to economic growth.
A clear focus on social mobility across the whole college ensures that learners are given opportunities to develop skills that will change and improve their life chances. Staff collaborate with key agencies to address social disadvantage and ensure that a broad range of opportunities are available to learners at Capital City College. Through this the college can enrich the learner experience and provide learners with key skills and behaviours to take advantage of the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences that prepare them for their next stage in education, training, or employment.
2.3.4.
Inclusive education programmes
Capital City College places a strong emphasis on improving educational programmes for young people aged 16 to 18, as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The college also implements tailored interventions to meet the diverse needs of its student population. Through focusing on inclusion, Capital City College ensures that education is accessible and responsive to all learners, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.
This broadened perspective ensures that the College’s initiatives address the variation of barriers individuals face, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equal opportunities for all members of the community. Capital City College actively works with social mobility organisations to extend opportunities and experiences of workplaces for learners. These have included ‘The Brokerage’ which linked learners to career insights, work experience, paid internships, scholarships and degree apprenticeship opportunities with major finance, law, banking and tech employers.
2.4. Goal 15: Working in partnership to tackle social challenges
Partnerships are essential for organisations to effectively address complex challenges and maximise opportunities. By working together, organisations can pool resources, share expertise, and ensure that their initiatives are well-rounded and impactful.
For FE colleges, these partnerships are particularly important. As anchor institutions, institutions like Capital City College play a vital role in their regions by providing education, training, and employment opportunities. Collaborating with unions, local authorities, local businesses, and community groups allows FE colleges to align their programmes with the needs of their communities.
This ensures that students gain relevant skills, that diverse perspectives are considered, and that local labor market demands are met.
2.4.1. Fostering enterprise through partnership
Through Visionnaires, CCG partners with aspiring entrepreneurs to encourage innovation and enterprise. This helps tackle social challenges by providing individuals with the tools and support they need to create their own businesses, contributing to a strong local economy as well as personal prosperity.
Capital City College works closely with local businesses, government agencies, and non-profits to create employment pathways and provide bespoke training programmes that align with the needs of the local jobs market, helping to tackle issues like unemployment and economic disparity.
Capital City College’s collaboration with employers ensure that student acquire skills that are directly relevant to the job market, helping to address social challenges related to the skills gap and employability.
2.4.2. Collaboration with the Mayor’s academies
Capital City College actively collaborates with the Greater London Authority to run Mayor of London’s Academies, serving as hubs for the digital, hospitality, green and creative industries.
The Capital City College Mayor’s Academies have supported over 2,500 Londoners to upskill and reskill through short courses.
This partnership grants the college greater flexibility in funding and curriculum design, enabling it to respond swiftly to market trends and employer needs.
This alignment with industry demands improves the relevance of education and improves student employability.
3. Analysis & summary
3.1. Empowering positive destinations and pathway diversity post-16
Capital City College plays a critical role in facilitating successful transitions for students post-16 by offering a broad spectrum of pathways, from traditional A-Levels to technical qualifications and apprenticeships.
Through a focus on varied and diverse routes, Capital City College ensures students can pursue academic, technical, or vocational pathways that align with their strengths and interests.
This commitment extends to comprehensive enrichment activities that support formal education, improving students’ skills beyond academic attainment and better equipping them for the world of work.
Adult learners also benefit from tailored opportunities, with over 620 free, job-focused short courses developed in response to labour market trends, helping more than 22,000 adults upskill in areas including digital skills, finance, construction, and healthcare over the past five years.
Addressing a spectrum of needs and interests, Capital City College supports individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to reach positive post-16 destinations.
3.2. Preparing students for employment through real-world experience and mentorship
Capital City College actively supports its students’ career readiness through work experience and mentoring initiatives that give students practical exposure and insights into the workforce.
Its work experience programme mandates 70 hours for all 16-18 students, enabling them to apply classroom learning to professional environments. Complementing this is a suite of over 50 mentoring initiatives focused on equity,
diversity, and inclusion, which provide students with role models and professional networks that bolster their confidence and job readiness.
Capital City College’s collaboration with local employers also ensures that programmes are industry-aligned, preparing students with skills that meet current workforce demands. Special programmes like the Turing Mobility Scheme provide international work experience, creating skills like cross-cultural communication and global awareness.
Together, these initiatives contribute to the college’s remarkable 89% success rate of positive student destinations.
3.3. Broadening horizons through personalised careers education
Capital City College’s approach to career education is notably student-centred, providing guidance that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of its student body.
The Careers Education programme is carefully adapted to ensure inclusion, with tailored guidance for underrepresented groups, including looked-after children and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Every student can access Capital City College’s extensive Careers & Employability blog, which highlights career opportunities and paid internships, helping students make informed choices about their future.
On top of this, its personalised mentoring and advice programmes, specifically designed for marginalised groups, ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to understand and explore career paths that align with their potential.
This focus on personalising support has led to strong outcomes, with 94% of vulnerable students completing their courses successfully.
3.4. Promoting equity and inclusion across all educational programmes
EDI forms the underpinning of Capital City College’s operations. Through a focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, Capital City College reflects the communities it serves and prepares students for an increasingly diverse workforce.
Through targeted initiatives, including ‘Women into Construction’ and ‘Girls into STEM,’ the College works to address underrepresentation in key sectors, achieving a 60% female participation rate in STEM programmes and promoting gender balance in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The College also incorporates tailored learning plans and resources, recognising that every student has unique needs and challenges, and ensuring they receive the appropriate support to succeed.
This comprehensive approach to EDI within the curriculum and the institution’s culture advances social mobility, supporting students from all backgrounds to access and excel in higher education and employment opportunities.
3.5. Harnessing partnerships to tackle social challenges and foster enterprise
Capital City College understands that complex social challenges, like skills gaps and employment barriers, can be effectively addressed through partnerships.
Collaboration with the Greater London Authority through the Mayor’s Academies allows Capital City College to offer focused upskilling programmes in key sectors like digital, hospitality, green, and creative industries, meeting regional labour demands and supporting over 2,500 Londoners to improve their employability.
Initiatives like Visionnaires - Capital City College’s social enterprise programme - equip budding entrepreneurs with the skills and mentorship they need to launch successful businesses, empowering 20% of participants to become profitably self-employed.
Through strategic employer partnerships, Capital City College ensures that its curriculum reflects current industry needs, enabling students to benefit from real-world expertise. These collaborations not only enrich student experiences but also strengthen the local economy by aligning workforce skills with industry demand.
Capital City College’s committed focus on inclusion, pathway diversity, and community partnerships demonstrates a comprehensive approach to social impact. Its wide-ranging strategies reflect a commitment to breaking down traditional barriers, fostering equity, and improving development for all, regardless of background or starting point. Through such efforts, Capital City College stands as a leader in bridging opportunity gaps and supporting students on their journeys to success.
4.
Key community opportunity barriers across Capital City College’s footprint
Using the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, the Purpose Coalition and Capital City College have partnered to identify a number of communities of acute need across the regions it operates in.
Capital City College already has comprehensive links to these areas and is supporting a wide range of individuals into employment and educational opportunities. Through this data analysis, Capital City College can apply the recommendations outlined in Section 5 to the communities most in need.
Critically, Capital City College and the Purpose Coalition have identified the specific barriers most important to each of these communities –supporting Capital City College in targeting its work and collaborating with key partners in areas of strategic need.
In the below tables, a lower number is worse. Being in Decile 1 means the LSOA is amongst the 10% most deprived areas. Having a Rank of 1 means the LSOA is the most deprive LSOA in the country. Conversely, being in Decile 10 means the LSOA is amongst the 10% least deprived areas and having a Rank of 32,844 would mean it is the least deprived LSOA in the country.
4.1. Gospel Oak Grove Bridge, Camden LSOA Name: Camden 007B LSOA Code: E01000890
Overall, which combines information from the seven ‘domains’ below to produce an overall relative measure of deprivation
Income, which measures the proportion of the population experiencing deprivation relating to low income
Employment, which measures the proportion of the working age population in an area involuntarily excluded from the labour market
Education, Skills & Training, which measures the lack of attainment and skills in the local population
Health Deprivation & Disability, which measures the risk of premature death and the impairment of quality of life through poor physical or mental health
Crime, which measures the risk of personal and material victimisation at local level
Barriers to Housing & Services, which measures the physical and financial accessibility of housing and local services
Living Environment, which measures the quality of both the ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ local environment
4.2. Lordship Lane, Haringey
LSOA Name: LSOA Code:
Haringey 013A E01002082
Haringey 013A
Overall, which combines information from the seven ‘domains’ below to produce an overall relative measure of deprivation
Income, which measures the proportion of the population experiencing deprivation relating to low income
Employment, which measures the proportion of the working age population in an area involuntarily excluded from the labour market
Education, Skills & Training, which measures the lack of attainment and skills in the local population
Health Deprivation & Disability, which measures the risk of premature death and the impairment of quality of life through poor physical or mental health
Crime, which measures the risk of personal and material victimisation at local level
Barriers to Housing & Services, which measures the physical and financial accessibility of housing and local services
Living Environment, which measures the quality of both the ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ local environment
Rank (out of 32,844)
Decile
4.3. Magdala Avenue, Islington
LSOA Name:
LSOA Code: Islington 004D E01002773
Islington 004D
Overall, which combines information from the seven ‘domains’ below to produce an overall relative measure of deprivation
Income, which measures the proportion of the population experiencing deprivation relating to low income
Employment, which measures the proportion of the working age population in an area involuntarily excluded from the labour market
Education, Skills & Training, which measures the lack of attainment and skills in the local population
Health Deprivation & Disability, which measures the risk of premature death and the impairment of quality of life through poor physical or mental health
Decile Rank (out of 32,844)
Barriers to Housing & Services, which measures the physical and financial accessibility of housing and local services
Living Environment, which measures the quality of both the ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ local environment Crime, which measures the risk of personal and material victimisation at local level
