The College of North West London has celebrated 130 years of learning and teaching in Brent.
Staff, students, senior leadership, guests, and prominent alumni marked the occasion at a celebratory dinner and prize giving event held at the college’s Willesden campus.
The awards were presented to honour members of staff who sadly passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic and were given to students who have achieved notable excellence in their studies.
Over 100 guests, prominent local figures, and other invited guests attended the event.
Guests in attendance also had the opportunity to browse a collection of artefacts from the college’s history.
The College of North West London began in 1891, then called Willesden Polytechnic, and quickly grew to include 1,571 students by 1898.
In the years that followed, the college added an art school, broadened its range of subjects, and acquired premises across Brent to become one of London’s leading providers of further education.
In 2017, the latest chapter in the College of North West London story began when it joined with City of Westminster College to form the United Colleges Group.
The College of North West London is incredibly proud of the achievements of its college community over the nearly century and a half of its existence and looks forward with optimism and positivity to the future.
Stephen Davis, Group Principal and CEO of the United Colleges Group, said:
“The history of the College of North West London is tied in with the history of Brent and the city of London as a whole – we have shaped each other and been shaped by one another.
“I was delighted to welcome so many people from our college community, our local area, and from our past to join our celebration.
“This anniversary celebration also provides the opportunity to reflect on where we have come together and where, with the work ethic, attitude, and vision that we have built, we can go in the future together.”
Influencer and CNWL Alumni, Anton Peris, who attended the event added:
“It was great to be back at College of North West London to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the college.
“I have so many great memories of my time at CNWL; I made many great friends there and learned so much that has helped me build my career.
“I want to wish the college a very happy 130th anniversary and I look forward to seeing the college go forward into its bright future.”
Dobrin Chakarov, winner of the award for Excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, named in honour of Saiyed Hanif, said:
“I was very proud to receive this award at the 130th anniversary celebration of the College of North West London.
“Saiyed was a wonderful teacher who inspired all his students and it was an honour to commemorate his memory.
“I would like to thank the college for recognising my fellow students and I in this way.”
United Colleges Group Chair of Governors, Tony Johnston, said:
“It was a real pleasure to join with our staff, students, award winners, alumni, and local dignitaries to celebrate 130 years of the College of North West London.
“As we celebrate our past during this anniversary year, we are also optimistic, positive, and excited about the future of our college and look forward to going forward together as a community.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
