United Colleges Group (UCG) has welcomed new government proposals to strengthen the UK’s role as a global education leader, following the launch of a refreshed International Education Strategy aimed at growing the value of education exports from £32.3billion to £40billion a year by 2030.
The updated strategy pledges to “increase the UK’s international standing through education and make the UK the global partner of choice at every stage of learning” while reducing regulation and supporting cashflow for colleges expanding abroad ─ a direction firmly aligned with UCG, which is already leading the way through long-term partnership work in China and new opportunities for students worldwide.
With the strategy outlining China as having specific strategic importance for the UK, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed this with a visit to China last week, looking to renew high-level engagement to drive travel and cultural exchanges.
The PM’s official spokesperson said: “The prime minister has been clear that a reset relationship with China, that it’s no longer in an ice age, is beneficial to British people and British business.”
United Colleges Group has campuses across three boroughs in Central and North West London ─ including City of Westminster College, College of North West London and the Cockpit Theatre ─ and its CEO and Group Principal, Stephen Davis, welcomed the government’s new plans.
He said: “This renewed national commitment recognises the power of international collaboration in our sector to change lives and strengthen communities. At United Colleges Group, our growing global partnerships and relationships are giving students real opportunities to exchange ideas and develop the skills that employers value most.”
During the past two years, UCG has established a network of international partnerships in China, fostering collaboration in teaching and education pathways.
Recent visits by UCG leaders including Mr Davis, James Wilson (Principal) and Charles Cao Quin (Group Senior Deputy Principal International) have led to a series of formal cooperation agreements, with highlights including:
As part of this same international vision, United Colleges Group has also secured full funding from the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, the national programme supporting study and work abroad. This funding will enable 80 students to travel to Bali and Thailand in June and July this year.
Delivered in partnership with Think Pacific, the trips are designed to give students from across UCG’s colleges hands-on opportunities in community development, sustainability and leadership projects which will help them to gain more confidence and increase their global awareness.
A number of the students gaining a place on the trips will be leaving the UK for the very first time in their lives which aligns closely with UCG’s mission to promote inclusion and social mobility through education.
With a growing international presence and new collaborations planned for 2026, United Colleges Group continues to lead by example, shaping an inclusive, globally minded future for further education.
So far this year, UCG has already hosted delegations from two institutions in the Netherlands ─ ROC van Twente and Vechtdal College ─ for a visit which showcased recent educational innovations and provided a valuable opportunity for all organisations to learn from each other.
“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.”
