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Further Education Companies in the UK: 1,300+ Active Firms (2026)
Further education providers deliver post-16 academic, vocational and skills training across the UK's devolved education systems.
Buying centres tend to sit with college leadership teams, curriculum heads, employer-engagement units and skills-funding managers. Customer demand is split between college-linked provision, employer-commissioned training and publicly funded learner routes, with independent providers often competing on specialist delivery rather than broad institutional coverage. Engagements tend to sit at institutional or employer-account level, involving contracted learner volumes, curriculum capacity or multi-site delivery rather than one-off tutoring. The commercial motion is therefore closer to education services procurement than consumer course sales: inspection exposure, funding eligibility and the ability to evidence outcomes all shape buying decisions.
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Across the UK, 1,331 further education companies are actively trading, a company-form view of a field that also includes public college bodies. Reported headcount totals 3,734, giving the cohort a visible employment footprint but not the full staffing base of the wider education system. Commercial scale is uneven: the list includes a small set of providers beyond the mid-market turnover threshold, while many appear closer to specialist training, subcontracted delivery or college-linked services. Recent formations also suggest continuing entry around skills provision, although public funding rules keep the route to scale relatively constrained.
Policy responsibility is devolved, so UK-wide further education activity combines separate systems across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, funding and accountability have moved closer to the education department after the absorption of its skills funding agency, while inspection remains central to market access and reputation. Ofsted covers colleges, independent specialist institutions, independent learning providers and other skills provision, with grades running from outstanding to inadequate. The ONS has also placed English further education corporations in the central government sector, reflecting public-sector control and intervention powers rather than a purely voluntary-sector model.
The cohort appears likely to remain split between public-funded institutional provision and private training businesses selling into employer and college needs. Scale tends to be earned through repeatable contracts, inspection credibility and administrative capacity, rather than through pure learner acquisition. Smaller providers may find compliance, funding risk and cash-flow timing harder to absorb, which can favour mergers, subcontracting relationships or narrower specialisms. At the same time, employer demand for technical skills gives the sector a durable route to work, particularly where providers can align courses with occupations that colleges and employers already recognise.
1,331
Active firms
2026
30
Over £5M turnover
Companies above the threshold
252
New since 2022
Recent incorporations
Key facts
About 2% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (30 of 1,331 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
18% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (252 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Further education is devolved across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which limits simple UK-wide comparison.
In England, Ofsted inspects further education colleges, sixth-form colleges, independent specialist colleges and independent learning providers on a four-point scale from outstanding to inadequate.
ONS reclassified further education corporations, sixth-form college corporations and designated institutions in England to the central government sector after the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022.
The total number of further education students in the UK decreased by 0.1% in 2023/24 compared with 2022/23.
England has 213 colleges preparing over 1.6 million students, and 88% of colleges were judged good or outstanding for overall effectiveness.
Top UK further education companies
HARTPURY COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
Trajectory
4y · 2019–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides further and higher education courses including A‑levels, T Levels, vocational diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Teaching focuses on agriculture, animal science, equine…
Serves prospective college, undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 16+, plus employers seeking specialist skills or research, in agriculture, animal, equine, sport, veterinary and business…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 2% CAGR over 6y
Location
Eastern Education Trust
Operates a multi‑academy education trust overseeing sixth form colleges, further and higher education provision, and training centres. Provides A‑levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, adult…
Serves students and adult learners across the Eastern region, from primary and SEND pupils to sixth form, vocational, apprenticeship, higher education and career-changing adults, plus employers…
Location
BIRMINGHAM INDEPENDENT COLLEGE LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides specialist further education for students aged 14–25 with special educational needs and education, health and care plans. Delivers GCSEs, ESOL and vocational courses in health and social…
Serves SEND students aged 14-25 with EHCPs, including 16-19 learners seeking vocational or academic pathways, plus their parents/carers and referring education authorities.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides further education courses in creative industries including music performance and production, game development, esports, media production, graphic design, animation, film, photography, and…
Serves prospective students, mainly school leavers and young adults, seeking further education courses in games, esports, media, music, computing and creative digital subjects across UK campuses.
Financial Health
StableStable · 3% CAGR over 3y
Location
SYSCO BUSINESS SKILLS ACADEMY LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides vocational training and education programmes including apprenticeships and courses in leadership and management, business administration, customer service, project management, warehousing,…
Serves employers across England seeking funded or bespoke workforce development, alongside employed and unemployed adults and learners pursuing adult education, skills bootcamps, or higher education…
Financial Health
StableStable · -13% CAGR over 3y
Location
QDOS Training Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides funded apprenticeships, adult education courses, and professional development training. Delivers work‑based learning, skills development programmes, CPD courses, and distance learning,…
Serves UK learners aged 16+, apprentices and adults seeking upskilling, work preparation or CPD, alongside SME/non-levy and levy employers supporting workforce development.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 10% CAGR over 2y
Location
M I T Skills Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides vocational education and training programmes including apprenticeships, T‑Levels, skills bootcamps and commercial courses. Delivers training in sectors such as motor vehicle maintenance,…
Serves young people and adult learners, including international sports students, plus employers seeking apprenticeships and workforce upskilling across motor vehicle, construction, engineering,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 2% CAGR over 3y
Location
NORTH LANCS. TRAINING GROUP C.I.C
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides work-based training and apprenticeship programmes for young people and adults. Delivers courses in areas including business administration, manufacturing, hospitality, logistics, IT and…
Serves 16–18 learners, adults 19+, parents, job seekers and employers seeking apprentices or workforce upskilling across sectors including business admin, hospitality, manufacturing, furniture,…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -7% CAGR over 4y
Location
TCHC GROUP LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides education and skills training programmes for young people and adults, including vocational courses in areas such as construction, beauty, business, retail and creative media, alongside…
Serves young people aged 16–24, learners with SEND or high needs, adults 19+ seeking employment skills, and employers looking for workforce support across its education and training centre network.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 7% CAGR over 2y
Location
HIGH RIDGE TRAINING LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides funded apprenticeships and professional training programmes for learners and employers. Offers courses in areas including childcare and early years, business administration, engineering,…
Serves employers seeking apprenticeships and staff upskilling, plus individual learners and apprentices across England, especially in childcare, business, engineering, manufacturing, food and drink,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -73% CAGR over 4y
Location
London Skills & Development Network Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides adult education and vocational training programmes, including courses in construction, railway engineering, security, retrofit and energy efficiency, and leadership. Also delivers short…
Serves adult learners and young people aged 16–24 seeking skills training, career change, retraining or return-to-work support, with courses for sectors such as rail, construction, security, retrofit…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -23% CAGR over 2y
Location
Rotherham Opportunities College Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides further education programmes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, offering life skills training, vocational activities, supported internships, therapeutic…
Serves students with SEND, their parents and carers, and local education stakeholders seeking specialist post-16 college provision, supported internships and pastoral support.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed
Location
ELEVATED KNOWLEDGE LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides engineering training and apprenticeship programmes including mechanical and electrical courses, NVQ, BTEC and HNC qualifications. Also supports employers with apprentice recruitment,…
Serves UK engineering and manufacturing employers, including levy and non-levy businesses recruiting apprentices or upskilling staff, and also individual learners such as school-leavers and employees…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 43% CAGR over 4y
Location
EXPANSE GROUP LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides specialist SEND education and training through an independent special school, further education colleges, and a vocational centre. Delivers tailored learning programmes, work placement…
Serves learners with special educational needs and disabilities, including school-age pupils and further education students, plus their parents/carers and school workforce professionals.
Financial Health
StableStable · -62% CAGR over 4y
Location
Optimum Skills Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training, apprenticeships and employability programmes for individuals and employers. Delivers apprenticeship qualifications, skills bootcamps, short training courses and…
Serves North East employers seeking apprentices, workforce upskilling and funded skills programmes, alongside school leavers, jobseekers and adults pursuing apprenticeships, construction routes and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 9% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides further and adult education courses including access to higher education, social sciences, rural skills, and outdoor learning. Offers short courses, student accommodation, learning support,…
Serves prospective students and adult learners seeking further education, access-to-higher-education routes, rural skills and social sciences courses, plus organisations looking for event, meeting…
Financial Health
StableStable · -8% CAGR over 1y
Location
B-Skill Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides government-funded training programmes including apprenticeships, traineeships and adult learning courses. Delivers work-based training, leadership and management qualifications, functional…
Serves employers seeking apprenticeship and staff development routes, plus individuals, apprentices, adult learners and jobseekers pursuing qualifications in business, leadership, youth work,…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -17% CAGR over 4y
Location
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING (UK) LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides apprenticeship programmes, vocational training courses and professional qualifications for learners and employers. Offers subjects including health and social care, childcare, leadership and…
Serves a mix of employers and individual learners across London, Surrey and the South East, including organisations in education, childcare, health and social care, residential childcare and…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 10% CAGR over 3y
Location
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides post‑16 education and vocational training programmes for students with special educational needs. Delivers tailored courses covering core skills, employability training, and work placements,…
Serves post-16 learners with special educational needs, their parents and families, and employers seeking inclusive work placements, graduate talent partnerships or tailored workforce training.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
EMPLOY MY ABILITY (EMA) LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2019–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides further education and training for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including study programmes, supported internships, therapeutic support, and skills…
Serves young people with SEND in Dorset, along with their parents, carers and schools seeking specialist college placements, supported internships and transition support.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 8% CAGR over 5y
Location
South West Regional Assessment Centre Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides alternative education and specialist college programmes for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Offers traineeships, supported internships, adult learning,…
Serves young adults aged 16–30 with SEND, especially those with or being assessed for an EHCP, plus their parents and carers. Also targets employers and business leaders in Dorset and Merseyside able…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 22% CAGR over 4y
Location
Ixion Contracts Limited
Trajectory
4y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides vocational training and education programmes including apprenticeships, traineeships, supported internships and adult qualifications. Works with employers and learners to deliver skills…
Serves UK employers, individual learners aged 16+, adult learners, schools and colleges, parents and carers, and career guidance professionals seeking apprenticeships, qualifications, supported…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
PINEHIRST EDUCATION
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational education and training programmes in land‑based industries and railway track operations, offering practical courses, work experience placements, and student resources for learners…
Serves students and young learners seeking practical vocational education, including GCSE support and pathways into further education, apprenticeships, or training in land-based and track and rail…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -7% CAGR over 4y
Location
SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates a membership organisation for training providers and delivers vocational training programmes including apprenticeships, skills bootcamps and short courses. Provides information, guidance and…
Serves training providers, employers and individual learners across South West England, including levy and non-levy employers in sectors such as health, engineering, construction and hospitality.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 13% CAGR over 4y
Location
Heart of England Training Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training and apprenticeship programmes for sectors including hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy, business administration, childcare and sports education. Delivers full-time…
Serves learners seeking apprenticeships or vocational courses and employers hiring apprentices, particularly schools, nurseries, hair and beauty salons, business teams and sports education providers.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training, apprenticeships and online courses, including Ofqual‑approved qualifications and functional skills. Offers programmes in early years education, teaching, leadership and…
Serves early years and education employers, childcare settings, childminders, youth services, apprentices and individual learners seeking vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, CPD and workplace…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 54% CAGR over 5y
Location
NORTHERN COLLEGE FOR RESIDENTIAL ADULT EDUCATION LIMITED(THE)
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides residential further education courses for adults, offering short courses and qualifications in subjects such as counselling, digital skills, ESOL, health and wellbeing, and employability,…
Serves adult learners, especially those seeking further education, residential study and career progression, plus employers looking to upskill their workforce through training and outreach programmes.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Profitable · -3% CAGR over 1y
Location
Boomsatsuma Education Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides further and higher education courses in creative industries, including film and television production, game design, photography, art and digital media. Offers college diplomas, undergraduate…
Serves prospective college and undergraduate students seeking creative-industry education, plus parents and carers, adult short-course learners, and schools/colleges engaged through outreach.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 37% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides further education and training for learners aged 18–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Delivers inclusive curriculum, individual coaching and mentoring, and work…
Serves young adults aged 18-25 with SEND, their families/carers and referral partners, primarily in Kent and the Maidstone and Malling area, seeking specialist further education provision.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable
Location
SKILLS MAX ACADEMY LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides accredited vocational training and education courses, including skills bootcamps and higher education programmes. Delivers classroom and online training in areas such as construction and…
Sells to individual adult learners, including career starters, experienced professionals and tradespeople seeking progression, across construction, green technologies, healthcare, retail, teaching…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
JUNIPER TRAINING LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training programmes including apprenticeships, pre‑apprenticeships, traineeships and NVQ courses. Delivers sector‑focused training in areas such as construction, roofing, sport…
Serves UK young people aged 16–24, including those with EHCPs, seeking career entry routes, plus employers and levy-paying businesses looking to recruit apprentices or support workforce development.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -67% CAGR over 4y
Location
Drl Services Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training and education programmes including apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, and professional development courses. Delivers bespoke training for employers and supports…
Serves a mix of individuals aged 16–64 seeking apprenticeships or career skills, and employers needing tailored workforce training for staff at their premises or a training facility.
Financial Health
StableStable · -24% CAGR over 4y
Location
CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE (CLC) LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides higher education and vocational training courses including HNC and HND programmes, undergraduate and top‑up degrees in business and hospitality, MBA top‑up programmes, electrical trade…
Serves prospective and current students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, trade learners and workforce skills candidates in business, computing, hospitality, tourism, electrical and digital…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 26% CAGR over 4y
Location
ABIS RESOURCES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training and education programmes, including apprenticeships, distance learning and online courses. Offers work-based and short courses in areas such as health and social care,…
Serves individual adult learners seeking publicly funded courses, apprenticeships and career changes, including eligible residents in Greenwich and people entering education, beauty, health and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 50% CAGR over 4y
Location
THE SAND PROJECT LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides specialist post‑16 education and training for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Delivers practical learning, work experience, and enterprise-based activities to…
Serves young people aged 16–25 with EHCPs and their families, alongside schools and local authorities seeking specialist post-16 transition provision; also engages employers offering supported work…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 94% CAGR over 4y
Location
Training Skills UK Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training courses and qualifications, including NVQ and City & Guilds programmes in construction, electrical installation, plumbing, health and safety, and employability skills,…
Serves individual learners and jobseekers seeking vocational qualifications and funded skills bootcamps, especially in construction, electrical, plumbing, health and social care, business…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 26% CAGR over 4y
Location
Skills North East Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training and apprenticeship programmes for individuals and employers. Offers short courses and learner loan–funded training, recruits apprentices, and supports businesses with…
Serves employed and unemployed learners seeking apprenticeships or career-development courses, and employers wanting to hire apprentices or upskill existing staff across sectors such as healthcare,…
Financial Health
StableStable · -8% CAGR over 4y
Location
Realise Learning and Employment Limited
Trajectory
2y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides vocational training and apprenticeship programmes for employers and individuals. Delivers accredited courses in areas including early years education, health and social care, business skills…
Serves private and public sector employers across the UK, especially early years, health and social care, business and transport organisations, plus apprentices and adult learners seeking funded…
Financial Health
StableStable · -1% CAGR over 1y
Location
OBM ONELAB CIC
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides specialist post-16 education and training in art, design, digital media and entrepreneurship for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Operates an approved work-based…
Serves young people aged 16–25 with special educational needs and disabilities seeking creative post-16 education, alongside parents, carers and referral partners involved in admissions.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 25% CAGR over 4y
Location
Beacon Education Partnership Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training and development programmes focused on health and social care, including diplomas, apprenticeships and short courses. Delivers further education for domestic and…
Serves individual learners and employers in the health and social care sectors, including UK and international learners seeking vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and short courses.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 12% CAGR over 4y
Location
ACQUIRE LEARNING COLLEGE LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides higher and further education programmes including functional skills courses in English and maths, Level 3 business diplomas, and other accredited qualifications. Also offers apprenticeships,…
Serves individual learners in the UK and beyond seeking further or higher education, apprenticeships and employability support, with emphasis on disengaged learners and under-represented communities.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 50% CAGR over 4y
Location
COMMUNITY TRAINING SERVICES LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides education and training programmes for 16–19 year olds, including full- and part-time study programmes, ESOL courses, vocational skills training, maths and English qualifications,…
Serves 16- to 19-year-olds in Sheffield, particularly school leavers and young people not currently in education or training, plus their parents or guardians seeking study programmes and progression…
Financial Health
StableStable · 1% CAGR over 3y
Location
Equals Training Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training programmes including apprenticeships, traineeships, diplomas and professional courses. Delivers work‑based and blended learning for young people and adults, and partners…
Serves young people and adult learners seeking apprenticeships, traineeships, diplomas and professional courses, alongside employers and partner organisations planning funded or non-funded workforce…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 9% CAGR over 4y
Location
Future (Awards And Qualifications) Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and awards regulated vocational qualifications and delivers end‑point assessments for apprenticeship standards. Provides certification and assessment services to approved colleges and…
Serves UK colleges, approved training providers and apprenticeship employers, particularly in ambulance services, emergency care, first aid, aviation and functional skills.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Integer Training Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides vocational training and accredited qualifications, including Access to Higher Education diplomas, AAT accounting courses, health and social care training, security and spectator safety…
Serves individual adult learners and career changers seeking vocational qualifications in health and social care, accounting, security, early years, digital and access-to-HE routes, plus workplace…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -5% CAGR over 4y
Location
BRAMPTON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides sixth‑form education programmes including two‑year A‑levels, one‑year A‑level retake and GCSE courses. Offers subject teaching, university application and UCAS guidance, enrichment…
Serves prospective sixth-form and GCSE students and their parents, including A Level entrants, retake students and international students seeking private college education and university preparation…
Financial Health
StableStable · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
I-Can Qualifications Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsDevelops and awards vocational qualifications and end‑point assessments across sectors including business, health and social care, engineering, retail and hospitality. Works with training centres and…
Serves training centres, employer-providers and employers across sectors including business, health and social care, engineering, hospitality, retail, public services and logistics.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
MODE TRAINING LTD
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides vocational training and apprenticeship programmes for creative and commercial careers, including courses in music production, hairdressing, make‑up, digital and business skills. Delivers…
Serves students, adult learners and self-employed people in the Liverpool City Region, plus local employers seeking apprentices or staff training and schools needing alternative education provision.
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -22% CAGR over 3y
Location
SKILLS COLLEGE UK LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides vocational training courses, apprenticeships, and employability programmes in sectors including active leisure, rail engineering, and construction. Delivers accredited qualifications,…
Serves unemployed learners, apprentices and workers seeking vocational qualifications, plus employers, agencies and Ministry of Justice/public-sector partners in active leisure, rail engineering,…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 30% CAGR over 3y
Location
Oaktree Education Services Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides alternative education provision and post‑16 college programmes for young people, including curriculum delivery, admissions and safeguarding, and offers supported accommodation services for…
Serves schools, local authorities, parents and carers, and young people needing alternative provision, post-16 education or supported accommodation referrals.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 82% CAGR over 2y
Location
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How UK further education companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Further education providers earn revenue through a mix of public grant or contract funding, learner-paid course fees, employer-funded training and subcontracted delivery for larger institutions or prime contractors. The service is teaching capacity, assessment, learner support and compliance administration rather than a software product. Pricing typically follows funded learner rates, per-learner course fees, day-rate delivery or service agreements tied to qualification aims, attendance and completion milestones. Work-based provision adds employer account management, placement coordination and evidence collection. Gross margin depends less on headline enrolment than on staff utilisation, class size, learner retention and the timing of funding payments.
Who they sell to
Customer profiles are mixed: colleges buy specialist delivery, employers buy job-linked skills programmes, and learners enter through publicly funded or self-funded routes. The commercial buyer is usually a principal, chief executive, finance director, head of curriculum, skills-funding lead or employer-engagement manager, with quality and safeguarding staff involved where delivery risk is visible. Typical sales cycles follow curriculum planning, funding allocations or employer workforce needs, so deals can take months even when the end service is a short course. Procurement is often direct for specialist provision, tendered for funded programmes, and relationship-led where a provider is joining a college or employer delivery network.
What they buy
Most further education firms tend to spend on systems and services that keep learner recruitment, delivery and evidence trails under control. Relevant categories include CRM for admissions and employer accounts, learner management, timetabling, attendance tracking, assessment workflow, finance, billing, payroll, HR, staff scheduling, quality assurance, document management and management reporting. Providers with online or blended delivery also buy cloud hosting, cyber security, device management, virtual learning tools and helpdesk capacity. Professional services spend often sits around audit preparation, funding compliance, bid writing, curriculum design, marketing, recruitment, legal advice and accounting support.
Why and how to sell to them
Further education buyers tend to evaluate suppliers when a new funding route, inspection finding, employer contract, leadership change or curriculum expansion creates extra operational load. Pain points are usually practical: proving learner eligibility, avoiding clawback, filling cohorts, retaining teaching staff, tracking attendance, evidencing outcomes and reporting to employers or public funders. Outbound messages work better when they are specific to delivery risk rather than generic education growth. A credible pitch might link the offer to lower administrative burden, quicker evidence collection, better account visibility or fewer hand-offs between curriculum, finance and employer-engagement teams.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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Frequently asked questions
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What buying signals should I look for?↓
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