North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) Review 2026: Career-Focused Technical Education

Located in Ewell, Epsom, North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) is a vast further education college that serves as a bridge between school and the workplace. Unlike a traditional school sixth form, Nescot is a professionally equipped campus where the primary language is employability. With a student body ranging from school leavers to adult learners, the environment feels distinctively grown-up. The college serves as a hub for technical and vocational training in Surrey, attracting students who are ready to trade the classroom for workshops, salons, and studios.

The campus on Reigate Road feels less like a school and more like a series of interconnected businesses. Students in uniforms appropriate to their trade, such as tunics for beauty therapy or overalls for motor vehicle maintenance, move between buildings with purpose. The atmosphere is relaxed but industrious; there are no school bells, and students often call staff by their first names.

Julie Kapsalis, who took up the post of Principal and CEO in 2022, leads the college with a clear focus on skills and industry alignment. Her background in economic development is evident in the college's strong links with employers, and she was awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours list. The culture is inclusive and diverse, with a dedicated learning support team ensuring that students with varying needs can access the curriculum.

Facilities are a defining strength. The campus houses the Adrian Mann Theatre, a fully commercial hair and beauty salon, an osteopathy clinic (one of the few in the country at a generic FE college), and a large animal care unit complete with exotic species. These are not simulations but working environments where members of the public are paying customers, adding a layer of professional reality to the training.

As a specialist technical college, Nescot's performance is best measured by vocational outcomes rather than traditional A-level league tables. The available information indicates 0% for A-level metrics, reflecting the college's historical focus on T-Levels, BTECs, and apprenticeships rather than academic exams. However, the college has recently introduced "A-Level Flex" pathways in Engineering and Construction, combining vocational AAQs with A-Level Mathematics and Design & Technology, though results for these new hybrid cohorts may not yet be in published datasets.

For families comparing options, it is essential to understand that success here is defined by professional competence and industry qualifications. Ofsted rated the college as Good in all areas in January 2023, highlighting that students "benefit from the highly supportive and caring relationships they enjoy with staff."

The destination data paints a clear picture of the college's vocational mission. According to the most recent DfE leavers data (2023/24 cohort), 36% of students moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than typical school sixth forms. A further 13% secured apprenticeships, validating the college's strong industry connections.

While the focus is technical, university remains a viable pathway. 10% of leavers progressed to university, typically to pursue degree-level study in their vocational specialism, such as Nursing, Osteopathy, or Computing. 12% continued into further education, often moving up to higher-level technical qualifications on-site.

The curriculum is built around careers. Nescot was an early adopter of T-Levels (Technical Levels), offering these rigorous qualifications in subjects like Construction, Digital Support Services, and Education & Childcare. These courses include substantial industry placements (45 days minimum), which distinguishes the learning experience from a standard BTEC.

Teaching staff are often dual professionals, recruited directly from industry. A carpentry tutor will have been a site carpenter; a media tutor will have worked in production. This brings current industry standards into the workshop. The approach is hands-on. In the Animal Studies department, students handle livestock and reptiles daily. In the Digital Media suites, they use industry-standard software.

Entry to Nescot is based on individual course requirements rather than a single selection test. Applications are made directly to the college website, typically opening in October for the following September.

Most Level 3 courses (equivalent to A-levels) require 4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. However, the college is genuinely comprehensive, offering entry-level and Level 1 courses for students who need to build their profile. Interviews are part of the process, but these are informal discussions to ensure the student is on the right course for their career ambitions.

Moving from school to a large college can be daunting, and Nescot has structured its support to manage this transition. Every full-time student has a Personal Tutor who monitors attendance and progress. The Student Wellbeing team includes mental health first aiders and counsellors.

The college is particularly noted for its Learning Support department. Specialist support is available for students with dyslexia, autism, and other learning needs, ensuring that the academic side of vocational courses, often a hurdle for practical learners, is accessible.

Extracurricular life at Nescot is driven by skills competitions and career enrichment rather than traditional school clubs. Students frequently compete in WorldSkills UK events, pitting their technical abilities against peers nationally.

On campus, the Nest serves as a social hub, and the onsite gym and sports facilities are well-used. The college has its own football academy, run in partnership with professional coaching staff, allowing talented players to combine full-time vocational study with elite training.

The college is located in Ewell, a short walk from Ewell East station, making it accessible from London Victoria, Sutton, and Epsom. Extensive free parking is available for students, a rarity for educational institutions in the area. While tuition is free for students aged 16-19, families should budget for course-specific costs such as uniforms (e.g., tunics, overalls), specialist equipment kits (e.g., hairdressing scissors, knives for catering), and trips.

Adult environment. This is a college, not a school. Students are expected to manage their own time and attendance. There are no bells, and students are free to leave campus during gaps in their timetable. This freedom suits independent learners but can be challenging for those who still need close supervision.

Vocational focus. Nescot is not a generalist sixth form. While the new A-Level Flex programme offers a hybrid route, the vast majority of provision is purely vocational. Students considering Nescot should be certain of their broad career direction, as switching from a Plumbing diploma to a Graphic Design course is harder than swapping A-level subjects.

Size and scale. With thousands of students, including adults and part-timers, the campus is busy and can feel impersonal compared to a small school sixth form. Students need to be proactive in asking for help.

Nescot is a powerhouse of technical education that suits students who are ready to leave the school gate behind and start training for a career. It offers facilities that most schools cannot dream of matching, from operating theatres to workshops. Best suited to students who know what they want to do and learn best by doing it. The challenge is the requirement for self-discipline in an adult environment.