Nottingham College’s Beeston campus has been named on the 2026 Social Mobility List and included in the 2026 Social Mobility Index, national rankings released in January 2026 that recognise organisations working to provide equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
The Social Mobility Foundation and partner organisations placed the college on the 2026 lists because of its success in helping students from disadvantaged postcodes progress into high-quality jobs. Nottingham College is the only further education college in the East Midlands to be included this year, reflecting its strong links to high-growth sectors such as engineering and technology.
The recognition follows a significant turnaround for the Beeston site, which only a few years ago faced potential closure and redevelopment. Since then the college has invested in facilities to support inclusive learning, including the £5.4 million Centre for Supported Learners called ‘The Gateway’, which opened at the Basford campus in May 2025 and features a sensory garden and 13 specialist classrooms.
The Social Mobility Index scores organisations using a “social distance travelled” approach — looking at how far students progress from enrolment to high-value employment or university. Nottingham College is also preparing a new Defence & Military Career Pathway, scheduled to launch in September 2026, designed to help more students move into careers linked to defence, engineering, cyber security and the armed forces.
The Social Mobility List launch event in early January 2026 (the public event was held on January 8, 2026) celebrated the college’s work in breaking down barriers to top jobs. For residents in Beeston the inclusion gives the local college national recognition for widening access while underlining its role as a regional leader in the East Midlands.
