NCG launches Breaking Down Barriers Impact Report in the House of Commons with The Purpose Coalition

NCG launched its new Breaking Down Barriers Impact Report at a reception in the House of Commons, in partnership with The Purpose Coalition. The report showcases how NCG is enabling social mobility and economic prosperity through exceptional education, and how colleges can be a first-choice route into skilled work and higher learning.   

The launch brought together further education leaders, employers and parliamentarians to celebrate the impact of NCG’s colleges and to underline the central role of further education in tackling opportunity gaps and building the national skills base the UK needs.   

NCG is a leading provider in the UK further education sector, with seven colleges and a University Centre across five regions, supporting over 30,000 learners each year and employing more than 2,000 staff.  The report highlights NCG’s national reach combined with deep local, place-based impact, positioning each college as a “community asset” that delivers life-changing opportunities through education, qualifications, work experience and employability development.   

A key strength identified in the Impact Report is NCG’s focus on progression and positive destinations. NCG achieves a positive destination rate of around 92 to 93 percent for 16 to 18 year olds, reflecting a strong track record of supporting learners into employment, further education or training.  The report also notes that, as the first college group to secure indefinite taught degree-awarding powers, NCG provides a continuous pathway from entry-level courses through to master’s degrees, giving learners a clear route to higher-level qualifications without leaving the college environment.   

The report further shows how NCG works with employers to align courses to local and national job markets, ensuring learners are workplace-ready and able to enter high-demand sectors including health, clean energy and digital.   

Central to NCG’s learner offer is the NCG Guarantee, a programme designed to develop well-rounded, work-ready students. It builds employability, mental fitness, community engagement, digital literacy and enterprise skills alongside technical learning, and strengthens confidence, leadership and public speaking.   

The Impact Report also includes a case study of Kidderminster College, showing how targeted place-based delivery can shift outcomes. Since 2017 the college has doubled its student intake from 620 to 1,250 learners, expanded school liaison, and strengthened employer engagement through its leadership role in the Local Skills Improvement Fund.  The case study highlights Kidderminster’s new Green Technology Centre, supported by Worcestershire LEP funding and NCG investment, providing cutting-edge training in construction and automotive to prepare learners for emerging green careers.   

Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of The Purpose Coalition, said: 
"I'm delighted to join NCG here today to celebrate their achievements, set out in this new Impact Report. They highlight the pivotal role that further education colleges can play in driving societal change and delivering opportunity, in their local areas and nationally. 

"It has been fantastic to meet its staff and students to learn more about its work across the country, nurturing a talent pipeline which focuses on a practical, evidence-based approach that allows students to reach their full potential and make a positive contribution to economic growth."

Nick Forbes CBE, Engagement Director of The Purpose Coalition, said: 
"In a challenging economic environment, it is more important than ever to have a joined-up conversation about the future of skills and how to break down the barriers to opportunity that still exist for too many people, especially in our most deprived communities.

"The report launched today demonstrates the contribution that NCG is making through its network of colleges, offering a high-quality and inclusive education that opens doors to successful individual careers and facilitate the skilled workforce the country needs. 

Liz Bromley, Chief Executive Officer of NCG, said: 

"I was delighted to welcome so many leaders and partners from across the FE sector, local government and business to mark the launch of NCG’s Impact Report. 

“This report underlines the scale and strength of our mission, enabling social mobility and driving economic prosperity for more than 30,000 students each year through our seven colleges and University Centre.

“It makes clear that further education is not simply a stepping stone, but a destination of choice, providing direct progression into skilled employment and higher learning. Above all, it is a powerful reminder of the vital role FE plays in unlocking opportunity, strengthening communities, and shaping the future prosperity of our country."

To read the full Impact Report click here: https://www.purpose-coalition.org/impact-reports/ncg