City & Guilds Privatisation: Fees Surge and Bonuses Soar
The privatisation of City & Guilds has led to shocking fee increases and hefty executive bonuses. Discover how this historic charity's sale is impacting vocational education.
The Controversial Sale of City & Guilds
In October 2025, City & Guilds sold its training and accreditations business to PeopleCert for a staggering £166 million. This sale has sparked outrage among educators and students alike, as fees for vocational courses have skyrocketed, leaving many questioning the motives behind the price hikes.
Electrician Charlie Butler experienced this firsthand when he learned that annual fees had jumped from £2,000 to £5,000. Such increases are not just numbers; they directly affect students and the future of vocational training. The justification provided by City & Guilds representatives was vague, leading to speculation about the motivations behind these changes.
- •Key points of concern include:
- •Significant fee increases for vocational courses.
- •Large bonuses awarded to executives following the sale.
- •The shift from a charity-focused model to a profit-driven approach.
As City & Guilds navigates this new landscape, the implications for vocational education remain uncertain. Stakeholders are left to ponder whether the legacy of this 148-year-old institution can survive the pressures of privatisation.