After completing their studies at City of Westminster College and College of North West London, new data shows that students at United Colleges Group overwhelmingly progress onto positive post-college destinations.
The research, carried out by J2 Research of full-time UCG students completing their studies last academic year, found that 90% of learners in 2023/24 progressed onto positive destinations, such as paid employment, apprenticeships or Higher or Further education.
Over a quarter of learners went on to enrol in Higher Education, a 15% increase compared with the previous year in 2022/23. UCG students were offered places at some of the UK’s top universities, including King’s College London, University of Manchester, Cardiff University and many more.
The research also offered positive feedback for the college’s careers services, readying students for the world of work or further study. Over 81% of respondents said careers advice given by college staff helped them to discover their goals and ambitions, and understand the different paths they could take to achieve them.
Following her studies last year, City of Westminster College alumna Tanjim Hussain Chowdhury gained a place at Queen Mary University of London to undertake a degree in Accounting & Management. Tanjim said: “College gave me the support and opportunities to grow academically, gain essential qualifications and build the confidence for independent learning and new challenges at university”.
Commenting on the results of the survey, CEO & Group Principal of United Colleges Group Stephen Davis said: “Once again, these results for United Colleges Group show the impact of further education on the lives of citizens. Whether you are an employer, an adult returning to education or a young person who is looking for their next step, the college sector is one that will ensure that your time with worthwhile. We deliver impact when improving life chances for our students. Those steps may be to get a job or keep a job or get an even better job. That mission can only be good for employers and our collective ambition to grow the economy”.
“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.”
“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.”
“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. ”
“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.”
