History

The London College: A Legacy of Transforming Lives

The London College has a proud tradition of enriching and advancing the lives of its students for over 50 years.

Officially established in 1975 as the Anglo-American University College London, the institution built upon the foundations of London Tutors - a private tuition centre founded in the mid-1950s by a family of educators. Originally based in Coventry, London Tutors later expanded to Manchester and Letchworth, providing tailored academic support for 11-plus, GCE O-Level, and A-Level examinations.

In its early years, the Anglo-American University College London offered a select range of programmes and became based solely in London. During this period, it also operated as an international student recruitment agency, forming strong partnerships with respected institutions such as David Game Tutorial College, Oxford Tutorial College, and Language Links.

By 1985, the College broadened its academic portfolio through a partnership with City University, California, enabling the delivery of a wide range of American undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. In 1998, the institution was formally incorporated and renamed The London College, UCK, gaining chartership in Iowa and later extending this to Louisiana and Alabama.

In 2008, the College shifted its academic focus to British higher education, introducing HNCs, HNDs, and Level 7 Postgraduate Diplomas validated by Ascentis.

A major milestone was achieved in 2013, when The London College began its partnership with the University of Derby to offer UK undergraduate programmes. Since 2017, our Cranford campus in west London has been home to a diverse and dynamic student community - continuing our longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality education that truly transforms lives.

In 2025, we celebrated our 50th anniversary - a milestone made possible by our incredible community. Here’s to another 50 years of transforming lives.

Vision

We are the institution of opportunity that is renowned for our creativity and innovation. 

We will develop our students and staff to reach for vocational excellence and become recognised as a leading alternative provider of quality Higher Education programmes.

To be an employer-focused institution connected with London communities, providing teaching and learning which opens doors and meets the needs of employers. 

Our motto is: “Commitment to Excellence”.

Timeline

• 1954 - 1985: London Tutors, based Coventry, Manchester, and Letchworth 
• 1975 - 1985: The London College name first appears at our Letchworth Campus
• 1985 - 1988: Campus in Fulham
• 1988 - 1992: Campus in South Kensington
• 1992 - 2017: Campuses in Notting Hill Gate
• 2017 - Present: Campus in Cranford