Students in Tonbridge and Hadlow to see new college identity from September

Students returning to college this autumn will notice a fresh look across campuses in Tonbridge and Hadlow as North Kent College introduces a new public identity.

From September, the organisation will become North Kent Colleges Group (NKC Group), reflecting its development into a multi-college organisation serving communities across North and West Kent.

For students, the biggest visible change will be the branding. Campuses will begin operating under their own local identities, including NKC Tonbridge and NKC Hadlow, while remaining part of the wider college group alongside Dartford and Gravesend.

The change follows the organisation's expansion in 2020, when Hadlow and Tonbridge joined North Kent College. Since then, all four campuses have operated under a shared leadership and governance structure while continuing to serve their local communities.

College leaders say the new identity better reflects how the organisation already works, combining local colleges with the support of a larger group.

David Gleed, CEO and Executive Principal, said the move provides greater clarity for students, employers and local communities.

He added that the rebrand reflects the organisation's growth while maintaining local responsiveness and a stable governance structure.

The refreshed branding will be introduced gradually from September ahead of the new academic year. Alongside updated signage and promotional materials, the college group will also launch a new group website as well as dedicated websites for each individual college.

For students currently studying in Tonbridge or Hadlow, the changes are largely cosmetic. Courses, campuses and day-to-day teaching will continue as normal, with the rebrand intended to make it clearer how the four colleges operate together under one organisation.