Inside Norland College, the British school that trains nannies for royals and the super rich

Alison Millington

2017-03-19T09:43:00Z

Bath's Norland College is doing more than train nannies — it is also awarding them with the social status they need to be hired by high-profile families around the world.

Providing childcare training for 125 years, Norland graduates have included Prince George’s nanny, Maria Borrallo, as well as the nanny of Mick Jagger and his ex-wife Jerry Hall's children, Lizzie and James, according to The Daily Mail.

So what does it take to be a Norland nanny?

Students at Norland graduate with a degreed validated by the University of Gloucestershire, as well as a Norland Diploma, which teaches them hands-on practical skills. From avoiding paparazzi in a car to anti-terrorism training, these skills are not those acquired by regular nannies.

Business Insider spoke to Norland Vice Principal Mandy Donaldson, who has been at the school for nearly five years, to find out how the school works behind the scenes. Here's what it takes to become one of the UK's most sought-after child minders.

This is Norland College, the prestigious nanny school that has been running childcare courses since 1892.

The school's nannies have gone on to work for some of the most high-profile families in the world. Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, nanny of Prince George, came from Norland.

Did you spot Nanny Maria in her Norland uniform at #PrincessCharlotte'sChristening yesterday? #NorlandNanny #Uniform #Tradition #nannylife #RoyalBaby

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Jul 6, 2015 at 1:42am PDTJul 6, 2015 at 1:42am PDT

While Maria was "the right fit" for the family, and the school felt comfortable placing her with the royals, Norland Vice Principal Mandy Donaldson told Business Insider that Maria was "no more or less qualified than any Norland nanny."

Mick Jagger also hired a Norland nanny with ex-wife Jerry Hall to look after their children Lizzie and James, according to The Daily Mail.

Over the past five years, Norland has grown from 100 students to 250 in order to meet the demand for its graduates.

#Set40 and our Principal lining up for a group photo 📸 #SoNorland

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Sep 8, 2016 at 6:39am PDTSep 8, 2016 at 6:39am PDT

"We have around six jobs for every graduate looking for one, which means parents are recognising the importance of those one-to-one personal relationships children will develop with their nannies," Donaldson said.

We're at Millfield Senior School's careers fair, talking to students about our degree with a difference #SoNorland

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Mar 6, 2017 at 3:41am PSTMar 6, 2017 at 3:41am PST

So what does it take to be a Norland nanny?

Firstly, you can spot a Norland nanny by their uniform.

Don't forget to Visit the famous #royalcrescent when you come to #cityofbath for our Open Day on 21 May #openday

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Mar 22, 2016 at 2:30am PDTMar 22, 2016 at 2:30am PDT

"When they're in uniform, they're representing 125 years of history and quality," Donaldson said. The students wear the uniform to and from the college, and the entire time they are on the school's site.

The formal uniform for female students means a brown felt hat, a pale brown dress, and a brown wool shrug with light tights and white gloves in summer, or dark tights, brown gloves, and a brown tweed coat in winter. For male students, a jacket, shirt, tie, and trousers are worn.

The practical uniform — when nannies are on placement — is made up of navy blue trousers, a jumper, and a light blue polo shirt, as well as a jacket for the outdoors.

Tan or brown brogues should also be worn.

Think this photo sums up Norland beautifully - well worn but polished brogues alongside that of a potential charges #NorlandNanny

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on May 13, 2016 at 6:24am PDTMay 13, 2016 at 6:24am PDT

The total cost of the uniform is roughly £800 ($972).

Could this be your hat and coat in 2016? #Set40 #ApplytoNorland #NorlandNanny #ucas

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Jan 4, 2016 at 3:07am PSTJan 4, 2016 at 3:07am PST

Only one pair of small plain stud earrings can be worn, wrist watches are not permitted, and body piercings and tattoos should not be visible.

Hair must be cut or tied back into a bun, fingernails must be clean and unpolished, and any makeup must be discreet.

While wearing the uniform, students are not permitted to chew gum, listen to music through headphones, buy fast food, use a mobile phone while walking, or purchase alcohol.

Trainee nannies are not always on duty, however. Donaldson said: "They're in a city with other universities and lots of student life, so once they’re not in uniform, we want them to have fun and enjoy themselves."

Thinking of sunnier times on the first day of spring in @WeLoveBath #cityofbath #royalcrescent #Set38 #picnic

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Mar 1, 2016 at 2:21am PSTMar 1, 2016 at 2:21am PST

Their time at the college also gives them a Norland Diploma, which teaches them hands-on practical skills through classes as well as a 12-month, paid placement with a family in their fourth year.

The placements can include anything from working in a nursery to a hospital or special needs school, and Norland sets students up with interviews for potential spots.

This year, there will be 58 students looking for a job, with around 150 they can choose from.

"They have to successfully complete the 12-month placement following the degree before they can achieve the diploma," Donaldson said.

They learn about nutrition and how to cook from start to finish, to enable them to prepare "well-balanced, healthy, nutritious food for children no matter what age they are."

The school also prepares them for dealing with medical and allergy needs, as well as the cultural influences on diet.

"Our nannies don’t learn on the job because they’ve already got those skills," Donaldson said.

Sometimes, this simply means making pizza...

Today #Set39 have been learning how to make pizza as part of their Norland degree training #FoodandNutrition #NorlandDiploma #NorlandNannySkills #homemadepizza

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on May 4, 2016 at 8:33am PDTMay 4, 2016 at 8:33am PDT

...although it can also mean preparing the entire spread for a child's party.

Time for tea #JapaneseSummerSchool #children #party #scones #jelly #sandwiches

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Jul 3, 2015 at 6:11am PDTJul 3, 2015 at 6:11am PDT

Mastering the art of the profiterole is also on the agenda.

What have #Set37 been learning in Food and Nutrition this year? #profiteroles #3rdYears #NannyTraining

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Apr 25, 2016 at 4:05am PDTApr 25, 2016 at 4:05am PDT

The students learn to sew and make clothes...

Norland students have been making shorts and other clothes for children in poverty #SoNorland #dressagirlaroundtheworld

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Feb 6, 2017 at 11:23pm PSTFeb 6, 2017 at 11:23pm PST

...Plan a party from start to finish (bunting included)...

We're all set up for our #children's #party #bunting #games #balloons #costumes #JapaneseSummerSchool

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Jul 3, 2015 at 4:54am PDTJul 3, 2015 at 4:54am PDT

...And learn how to support a child in terms of breast and bottle feeding, sleeping routines, toilet and nappy changing, spotting signs of illness, and playing — think clay and play dough.

Learning to make up a Carriage Pram with some of #set37 #Balmoral #SilverCross #PracticalSkills #norlandcollege #tradition #nannytraining

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Sep 19, 2014 at 4:53am PDTSep 19, 2014 at 4:53am PDT

"Through doing it themselves, they come to learn the value of it," Donaldson said.

They even take driving lessons, which include instructions on how to drive safely in adverse weather conditions, or, as Donaldson added, how to escape the paparazzi with high-profile children in the back of the car.

Find out what Norland students learn whilst studying for the unique BA(Hons) and #NorlandDiploma #NorlandNannySkills #UniqueTraining #SkidPan http://norland.co.uk/college/courses/ba_hons1

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Apr 11, 2016 at 7:38am PDTApr 11, 2016 at 7:38am PDT

Donaldson said a former military intelligence officer also comes in to do training on cyber security and personal safety, while the nannies also learn how to teach children the government's strategy for anti-terrorism.

"We show them how to risk-assess different activities, and safeguard children in terms of protecting them from abuse, unsafe contact from others, and [making sure] children understand their rights and responsibilities," she told us.

They also learn how to fully support a family.

Thinking of applying to Norland? We have a new prospectus coming soon! Register to be one of the first to receive one here #2017Entry #Set41 #ApplyToNorland http://norland.co.uk/college/courses/ba_hons1#request_a_prospectus

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Feb 1, 2016 at 7:44am PSTFeb 1, 2016 at 7:44am PST

"Every family and child is different — there’s no 'one size fits all' solution, so they need to have plenty of different strategies in their toolbox so they can understand how the family operates," Donaldson said.

The school's employment agency also provides support to the nannies throughout their careers, no matter what issue they might run into.

"The reality of living in and working for a family can be tough, and [the agency is] there at the end of the phone if they need support and don't know how to do something," she said. "They're there if they have any questions, from how long to cook an apple pie for, to supporting children through a traumatic event, like a bereavement in the family."

For high-profile families, the type of support needed can be slightly different.

Prince George playing with his nanny in Battersea Park,Londom,August 2014. aww he's absolutely adorable!! #princegeorge #babygeorge #george #nanny #mariaborrallo img.©williamkategeorge.tumblr

A post shared by The Cambridges. (@thecambridgespage) on Sep 17, 2014 at 10:15am PDTSep 17, 2014 at 10:15am PDT

"Quite often nannies who are working in high profile families — UAE families as well — may not always see much of the parents and may be a lot more hands-on. They may be the sole charge, or part of a team of nannies or the household staff who are providing care.

"It can be quite different working for a high-profile family, or equally can be very much the same — the [parents] work hard and long hours, and it's more convenient for them [to have a nanny], but they still spend time with their children."

She added that when nannies are placed with high-profile families, the school spends some time with them in their new role to ensure they understand what's involved both for them and for the children.

"It's always the family that will choose the nanny, although quite often it will be members of the household staff that will do the interviews," she said.

The number of international jobs available is also high, as well as the number of positions with international families living in the UK.

Welcome to our 2016 #JapaneseSummerSchool students - here to learn about Early Years education in the UK #culture #earlyyears

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Jun 27, 2016 at 1:37am PDTJun 27, 2016 at 1:37am PDT

"We place quite a lot of nannies overseas," she said, citing increasing numbers in the Middle East and throughout Europe and the US.

Norland's agency helps the nannies find jobs throughout their career. Salaries for Norland nannies are also much higher, according to Donaldson, going up to £75,000 a year.

Why is reading for pleasure from a young age so important? #lovetoread http://notjustnannytraining.blogspot.co.uk/

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Apr 13, 2016 at 3:49am PDTApr 13, 2016 at 3:49am PDT

"If you're newly qualified you get paid slightly less — around £22,000 a year — but you live-in, so you have no bills or rent to pay," she said.

Once nannies are qualified, in London they can earn between £26,500 and £42,000, or £35,000 to £60,500 outside of London. Overseas, this figure goes up to £75,000.

Think you've got what it takes? Luckily, you don't have to be qualified to apply.

What better way to finish the week? #SoNorland #igersbath

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Jan 27, 2017 at 10:28am PSTJan 27, 2017 at 10:28am PST

"Most students come from school after their A Levels, but we do have mature students who come with a wealth of experience," she said, adding when examining applications she doesn't necessarily look for applicants who already have the skills and knowledge.

"It's not that important whether they've done a qualification with children before. We have quite a few who do go to college beforehand and we take them as well, but it's not a disadvantage if you've done traditional A Levels."

She added that the school has a "misguided reputation for being elitist." She explained: "70% of our intake comes from the non-privately educated sector. We're trying to widen our demographic and take on more mature and male students."

There are currently only three male students at the school, with five set to start in September — the most the school has ever had.

However, despite the inclusive attitude towards applicants, nannies should have "some awareness of working with children."

Set 40 students spreading the #SoNorland word at today's Forest School lecture! 🌲🌲🌲🌲

A post shared by Norland College (@norlandcollege) on Feb 8, 2017 at 9:16am PSTFeb 8, 2017 at 9:16am PST

"As much as we'd love to believe it's all about reading stories and singing songs, it's really hard work being in charge of a little human being," she said. "Your arm and your heart aches."

"[We look for] the things we can't teach them — absolute passion and commitment for working with children, [as well as] some experience — babysitting, voluntary work in nurseries — something that will give them the idea of the reality of working with children."

Whether they're working for the super-rich or a busy working family, the best nannies will have a positive impact on a child's life.

"You really have the opportunity to influence strongly the adult that child is going to become," Donaldson said.

"It's important the students understand the huge responsibility and impact they will have."

Royal Family Arts & Culture

Inside Norland College, the British school that trains nannies for royals and the super rich

This is Norland College, the prestigious nanny school that has been running childcare courses since 1892.

The school's nannies have gone on to work for some of the most high-profile families in the world. Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, nanny of Prince George, came from Norland.

Over the past five years, Norland has grown from 100 students to 250 in order to meet the demand for its graduates.

"We have around six jobs for every graduate looking for one, which means parents are recognising the importance of those one-to-one personal relationships children will develop with their nannies," Donaldson said.

So what does it take to be a Norland nanny?

Firstly, you can spot a Norland nanny by their uniform.

Tan or brown brogues should also be worn.

The total cost of the uniform is roughly £800 ($972).

Trainee nannies are not always on duty, however. Donaldson said: "They're in a city with other universities and lots of student life, so once they’re not in uniform, we want them to have fun and enjoy themselves."

Students at Norland graduate with a three-year BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning, validated by the University of Gloucestershire, which teaches them the theory of social and emotional development they need to properly look after a child.

Their time at the college also gives them a Norland Diploma, which teaches them hands-on practical skills through classes as well as a 12-month, paid placement with a family in their fourth year.

They learn about nutrition and how to cook from start to finish, to enable them to prepare "well-balanced, healthy, nutritious food for children no matter what age they are."

Sometimes, this simply means making pizza...

...although it can also mean preparing the entire spread for a child's party.

Mastering the art of the profiterole is also on the agenda.

The students learn to sew and make clothes...

...Plan a party from start to finish (bunting included)...

...And learn how to support a child in terms of breast and bottle feeding, sleeping routines, toilet and nappy changing, spotting signs of illness, and playing — think clay and play dough.

They even take driving lessons, which include instructions on how to drive safely in adverse weather conditions, or, as Donaldson added, how to escape the paparazzi with high-profile children in the back of the car.

They also learn how to fully support a family.

For high-profile families, the type of support needed can be slightly different.

The number of international jobs available is also high, as well as the number of positions with international families living in the UK.

Norland's agency helps the nannies find jobs throughout their career. Salaries for Norland nannies are also much higher, according to Donaldson, going up to £75,000 a year.

Think you've got what it takes? Luckily, you don't have to be qualified to apply.

However, despite the inclusive attitude towards applicants, nannies should have "some awareness of working with children."

Whether they're working for the super-rich or a busy working family, the best nannies will have a positive impact on a child's life.

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