North Hertfordshire College is a further education and higher education college operating in Stevenage, Hitchin, and Letchworth Garden City. NHC was established on 1 April 1991, through the amalgamation of Stevenage College, Hitchin College and Letchworth Technical College. NHC is graded 'Good with Outstanding features' by Ofsted.
History
The college was established on 1 April 1991 when further education in Hertfordshire was reorganised. One of the institutions merged into the new college was Hitchin College of Further Education.
The ECC focuses on construction and building trade services, teaching courses such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, brickwork, engineering, and painting and decorating. In 2011, the centre expanded with a new welding course offer which was officially opened by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock.
Hitchin Centre
The Hitchin Centre focuses on the learning of business, tourism & events, hair and beauty, catering, sport, public services and creative arts. From 2012 to 2014, the centre underwent an extensive redevelopment.
Hart Salon
Hart Salon offers a hairdressing and beauty therapy service based at the Hitchin Centre. The salon is staffed by qualified and learning students.
Sports Centre
The Sports Centre offers sport and fitness facilities to students and the public, including basketball courts, fitness studios, dance studios, a gym, and an all weather 3G football pitch.
Hart Kitchens
Hart Kitchens is a student run contemporary restaurant. Under the direction of a head chef, students design menus as well as prepare and serve food and drink to customers, including a lunch menu and theme evenings throughout the year.
In January 2017, NHC and Airbus opened a STEM education centre, the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space, which is backed and funded by the Airbus Foundation and the Hertfordshire LEP. The center was opened by Astronaut Tim Peake.
Grading
The College has been accredited with Investors in People Gold Award in 2012 and 2014. In November 2017, North Hertfordshire College underwent an OFSTED inspection and received a Grade 2 for overall effectiveness of the provision. The effectiveness of their higher needs provision and traineeships were graded as Outstanding. NHC's Ofsted inspection grade is the highest of any college in Hertfordshire.
