Norland launches two dedicated bursary schemes worth up to £10,000 a year for Bath College students and local residents
19 October 2026
Norland University of Early Childhood has launched two new bursary schemes to help talented students overcome financial barriers and access specialist early years higher education, with eligible students able to receive up to £10,000 per year in financial support.
The new Norland University Bath College Bursary and Norland University Bath Resident Bursary will be available to eligible students applying for Norland’s undergraduate degree and diploma from 2027 onwards.
The new bursaries build on Norland’s longstanding investment in student financial support. Over the past five years, Norland has awarded £1.35 million in bursaries, providing around one in four students (25%) with financial support.
The Norland University Bath College Bursary has been established to support talented Bath College students progressing into higher education at Norland. Available to current Bath College students who receive an offer to study at Norland, the bursary aims to reduce financial barriers while recognising students who have demonstrated commitment, professionalism and potential throughout their studies. Eligible applicants will be identified through Bath College’s recommendation process before completing Norland’s bursary application procedure.
The Norland University Bath Resident Bursary has been created to support undergraduate offer holders who have lived in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) for at least three years immediately prior to starting their studies. The bursary will help local students access specialist higher education and pursue careers in early childhood, while strengthening Norland’s connection with its local community.
Rob Cole, Chief Financial Officer at Norland, said: “We believe that talented students should be able to access a Norland education regardless of their financial circumstances.
“Our teaching campus is based in Bath, so it is particularly important to us that local people can access the opportunities a Norland education provides. These bursaries will help talented students from B&NES and Bath College take the next step towards rewarding careers supporting children and families.”
Professor Janet Rose, Vice Chancellor at Norland, said: “As the first educational establishment to offer formal childcare training, Norland has championed the importance of highly skilled early childhood professionals for nearly 135 years. Today, that includes ensuring talented people from a wide range of backgrounds have the opportunity to enter the profession.
“These bursaries are an important part of our commitment to widening access, helping us nurture the very best early childhood practitioners and enabling more talented students to fulfil their potential, whatever their financial circumstances.”
As a specialist university and not-for-profit institution owned by a charity, Norland reinvests income from its commercial and fundraising activities into students, charitable activities and the wider social good. Financial support plays a key role in the university’s ambition to attract talented students from under-represented groups and increase access to careers in early childhood education and care.
Depending on individual circumstances, successful applicants may receive support ranging from a one-off £500 contribution in their first year to up to £10,000 per year for each year of study across the three-year course.
Third-year student Daisy, who received support through Norland’s Emily Ward Bursary, said: “Receiving the Emily Ward Bursary helped make studying at Norland possible for me. It reduced the financial pressure on my family and gave me the confidence to pursue a course I am passionate about without the same level of worry about costs.
“I would encourage anyone considering applying to explore the bursaries available, as the support can make a significant difference to both your finances and your overall university experience.”
Norlander Olivia graduated in 2026 as part of Set 145 and now works as a full-time live-in nanny caring for four children aged between four and nine.
Olivia said: “When I was applying to Norland, one of my biggest concerns was how I would afford to study there. As a student funding my studies myself from a single-parent household, I was extremely grateful to receive the Emily Ward Bursary. The support made a huge difference and helped make a Norland education possible for me.
“Applying to Norland was the best investment I could have made in my future career, and I would encourage prospective students to explore all the support available.”
Kevin Hamblin, Principal and CEO at Bath College, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer our learners this exciting opportunity with Norland. As one of the most prestigious and respected institutions for nanny training and early years education, Norland represents the very highest standards within the sector.
“Just as importantly, the chance to explore bursary opportunities can help remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students from pursuing their ambitions. We are incredibly proud to be part of an alliance that can inspire ambition, raise aspirations, and open doors to such exceptional possibilities.”
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES Council, added: “These new bursaries are fantastic news for young people in Bath and North East Somerset and will make a huge difference for future students. Easing financial barriers opens up opportunities for talented local students to access world-class education and establish great careers.”
Find out more about our bursaries
