Norland named UK’s top small or specialist provider by Whatuni
22 May 2025
Celebrating a fifth WUSCA win in 2025
Norland is elated to announce its latest accolade as the winner at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) for 2025, marking its fifth win in this prestigious category.
The world-renowned institution for early childhood education and care claimed first place in the Small or Specialist Institution award category once again, maintaining its legacy of excellence.
The WUSCAs are an annual celebration of the UK’s best universities and higher education providers, judged solely by student reviews. This year, over 36,000 student reviews were gathered from higher education institutions nationwide, making the achievement all the more significant.
This latest success continues Norland’s exceptional record at the WUSCAs, solidifying its reputation as a leader in specialised higher education and training. It was Norland’s sixth WUSCA win and its ninth consecutive year in the top two. In 2021, Norland received a special one-off award when it was named the best university in the UK for enhanced graduate outcomes, beating many much larger universities to the top spot.
This remarkable achievement underscores Norland’s unwavering dedication to consistent excellence in higher education and training. Despite its small size, Norland stands among a select few higher education providers to hold a prestigious Gold rating in all categories of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – the highest standard possible – placing it in the top 12% nationally. The Bath-based institution also holds indefinite degree awarding powers, an accomplishment that sets it on a path to becoming the world’s first specialist early years university.
Established in 1892 by education pioneer Emily Ward, Norland is dedicated to cultivating exceptional early years practitioners. Its fully qualified graduates, known as Norlanders or Norland Nannies, benefit from lifelong career support through the Norland Agency, which places them in nanny and maternity practitioner positions worldwide.
Dr Janet Rose, Principal of Norland, shared her excitement: “Winning the top award at the WUSCAs for 2025 is a testament to our long-standing commitment to provide students with unparalleled training and career opportunities. Norland’s focus on excellence and employability ensures that our graduates continue to enjoy one of the highest average graduate salaries in the UK and access to highly sought-after roles. We often have more than 5 job opportunities for each Norlander seeking employment and an average starting salary of £47,800 within one year of qualifying through the Norland Agency.”
Vice Principal and Head of Teaching, Learning and Research, Dr Rebecca Digby, added: “This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the experience and perspectives of our students. Our integrated approach, combining our degree programme with the Norland Diploma, equips graduates with real-world experience, setting them apart as the highest quality nannies worldwide. Their training ensures they make a profound impact on the lives of children and families with whom they work.”
Norland’s first ever male Head of Students, Sam, who attended the awards ceremony commented: “It was such a lovely way to celebrate the dedication and hard work of the staff and students at Norland. Winning the best Small or Specialist award shows the breadth and depth of knowledge shared at Norland and the desire of the staff to go above and beyond for every student which translates into our practice. I think this award really highlights the community spirit and sense of togetherness that runs throughout every aspect of Norland. I feel incredibly proud to be a part of the Norland community and to feel the passion and commitment of the staff and students day in, day out.”
Deputy Head of Students, Lillie, who also attended said: “I feel incredibly proud to be a part of an institution and student body like Norland. Hearing Norland’s name announced at the WUSCAs was an unforgettable moment to be a part of. The atmosphere was electric and it was such a joy to celebrate alongside staff and students. Winning this award reflects the heart, dedication and hard work that every student, Norlander and member of staff puts in every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to represent our incredible community.”
