Global Banking School, one of the UK’s fastest-growing private higher education providers, celebrated its 15th anniversary last week
Flexible classes, a focus on employability, and a growing presence in a diverse range of multicultural communities are said to be key drivers in its growth.
A Dragons’ Den-style ‘Enterprise Hub’, which pairs entrepreneurial students with experienced mentors to kickstart new business ideas, is also fuelling the surge.
Speaking exclusively to The European, CEO James Kennedy said GBS has had a “significant and positive impact” on the British economy since its foundation in 2010, and that it continues to address skills shortages across the UK.
He said: “Our approach to higher education means we are extending the opportunity of further studies to as many as possible.
“By offering classes Monday to Sunday, we enable students with other commitments to access high-quality education that suits them.
“GBS has had a significant and positive impact on all the communities that we serve across the UK. As our students learn and gain confidence, they bring skills and entrepreneurship that benefits themselves, their communities and the UK economy.”
GBS began as a specialist training centre for finance and investment banking, before opening its first campus in the capital six years later.
The organisation now has 10 campuses in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds, with more than 35,000 students in its 2024/25 cohort.
Of these, most are aged between 30 and 40 and many come from British communities with historically low representation in higher education.
It has also expanded its academic portfolio through collaborations with several UK universities including the University of Suffolk, Leeds Trinity University, and Pearson.
Kennedy said GBS, which is part of the Global Education (GEDU) group, would mark its anniversary with a variety of events across its UK campuses.
He added: “We look forward to many more milestones as we continue to change lives through education.”
Main image: GBS’ UK Greenford campus
