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Mander Portman Woodward - MPW Colleges

Founded in London in 1973 by three Cambridge University graduates, the MPW Group is one of the best known and well respected independent college brands in the UK.  It comprises three fifth- and sixth-form colleges in London, Birmingham, and Cambridge, providing highly attractive and modern learning environments located in close proximity to prestigious university campuses.  

MPW teaches 1,200 students on roll each year, of which approximately two-thirds are British, one-third international.  An additional 1,500 mostly UK-based students enroll each year on Easter Revision courses.

Quality assurance within the MPW Group is driven by a common governance model and a common set of principles and operational methods to which each college adheres.

MPW’s reputation is based on its student-centered, hands-on, and exam-focused programs, its broad and highly flexible curriculum, small class sizes, strong pastoral support, and renowned university placement assistance. Each college within the MPW Group employs a common methodology that underpins our approach to teaching and learning:

  • There is an absolute guarantee of fewer than 10 students in each class
  • Tutors are highly qualified to first or doctoral level and many are A level or GCSE examiners for the subjects that they teach
  • MPW produces its own printed course materials for all major subjects

 
There is a broad range of over 40 subjects from which to choose.  These may be studied over durations ranging from one term to two years in any combination to suit the individual student
 
All courses are underpinned by a strong exam practice component from the outset.  There are monthly revision tests taken in all subjects at every level.  And, in the final year during which examinations are sat, there are additional weekly timed assignments - all taken under supervised exam conditions
 
At MPW there is unusually detailed progress reporting to parents.  Test and homework results are available throughout a student’s course on the parent intranet, and as well as regular parent evenings there are detailed written reports on each subject five times per year
 
Central to MPW’s methodology is respect for students as young adults.  We insist on strict punctuality in the attendance of lessons and the submission of assignments but are otherwise free of many of the traditional school rules which teenagers often find restrictive. Tutors and students are on first name terms and we aspire to create an enjoyable, socially relaxed atmosphere in which students enjoy coming to college and working hard.

The proprietor of each of the colleges in the MPW Group is Mander Portman Woodward Ltd, whose principal and registered office is 90-92 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5AB (telephone: 020 7835 1355). The Chairman of Governors, Dr. Nigel Stout, may be contacted at this address and telephone number.

Governance is administered through a management board comprising both executives and non-executives of MPW. The full board meets formally no less than nine times annually.

The officers of the board are:

Nigel Stout MA, DPhil is the Chairman of MPW. He read PPP at The University of Oxford where he also took his doctorate. After a short research career at the university during which he taught both Statistics and Experimental Psychology, he left Oxford to embark upon a career in the secondary education sector. He joined MPW in 1987 to set up MPW Cambridge as one of its founding Principals, founded MPW Bristol in 1990, and was the Principal of MPW London between 1992 and 1998. He has been a director of MPW Ltd since 1988.

Spencer Coles BA is MPW’s, Chief Executive Officer. He read Business and Information Systems and prior to joining MPW in July 2013 as Commercial Director was the Chief Operating Officer for Regent’s University London. He held several board-level roles at Regents for 11 years. He has extensive previous marketing, international education, and business development experience gained at both Regent’s University and Holborn College.

Martin McInroy MA, FCCA read Natural Sciences at The University of Cambridge. Following a career in finance at companies such as Lonrho, De La Rue, and Reed International, he held the post of Financial Director in several medium-sized companies, most recently at Brooks & Bentley Ltd, before being appointed as Head of Finance of MPW in August 2009.

Steven Boyes BA, MSc, PGCE read Geography at Lancaster University and went on to postgraduate research in Employment Law at Durham University. He is a former Chairman of CIFE, the professional association for independent sixth-form colleges, an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and a former governor of an independent school in Sussex. He was also a senior examiner for Edexcel for 10 years. Specific area of responsibility: safeguarding.

John Southworth MSc is the Principal of MPW London. He read Engineering at the University of Leicester and subsequently gained an MSc in Defence Technology from the Cranfield Institute of Technology. Prior to joining MPW as a Vice Principal in 2014, he was a Major in the army, Director of Co-curriculum at The Perse School, and, most recently, Principal of Lansdowne College. John is a Director of the ISA (Independent Schools Association) Executive Council and Chair of its Finance Committee.

Markus Bernhardt MSc, PhD is the Principal of MPW Cambridge. He read Physics and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Bonn. He first joined MPW in 2009 and, prior to his most recent appointment, was Headmaster of Sherradswood School in Hertfordshire.

Mark Shingleton BA, PGCE is the Principal of MPW Birmingham. He read International Business and French at the Univeristy of Westminster. Before joining MPW he held a number of senior posts including Pastoral Director at Saint Charles Sixth Form College in London and most recently Head of Sixth Form at Cokethorpe School in Oxfordshire.

Note:- The cost of living depends on City you chose to live in

Important Facts

Our mission is to help our students develop their confidence, maturity, knowledge, and skills, turning their academic aspirations into reality.

By creating a culture of success we ensure that our students are happy, supported, and successful through outstanding lessons, continuous assessment, excellent pastoral care, and extensive higher education guidance.

We, therefore, aim to:

  • Encourage students to have high academic aspirations
  • Work in partnership with parents to encourage a strong work ethic and the confidence and self-belief to achieve those aspirations
  • Provide a broad and flexible curriculum that allows bespoke programs of study which reflect individual needs and allow students to cultivate their specific academic interests and aptitudes
  • Assist students in achieving high academic success through a combination of small class sizes, high quality teaching and a clear focus on learning outcomes
  • Provide an excellent system of pastoral support that is geared towards individual needs and recognises the personal and emotional challenges faced by 14 to 19 year olds
  • Guide students to make informed choices about educational progression in such a way as to maximise their chances of securing places on competitive and prestigious courses
  • Provide a friendly and informal environment in which students are encouraged to develop personal discipline and values, lead fulfilled lives and make a positive contribution to society

Ranking / Awards

MPW is ranked among the very top sixth form colleges in the A-Level results table with an extraordinarily high rate of 40% of candidates obtaining A*/A, according to the Telegraph. Being situated in Cambridge, a place widely pervaded by an academic atmosphere, MPW ought to be an ideal place for studying.

On Wednesday 18th April, John Southworth, Principal, and I attended the prestigious annual CIFE Awards ceremony at the House of Lords to celebrate once again the incredible academic success of MPW students.

This marvellous event hosted by Lord Lexden OBE, the President of CIFE, saw seven of the twenty prizes available awarded to MPW, which we were of course absolutely delighted about. Our students have worked exceptionally hard over the last year and one of the most rewarding things about working in education is to see that work pay off. It was a privilege to be able to celebrate with our high achievers.

With great pride, the students and their families were presented these awards for academic excellence whilst indulging a delicious afternoon tea. Lord Lexden entertained us with his usual eloquent and enigmatic self and Sally Powell, Principal of Collingham, was tasked with detailing the academic achievements of the prize winners. There were certainly a number of impressive students present.

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  • Type of Accommodation: On Campus,Off Campus

Financials

Annual Cost of living 9207 GBP /year
Average Annual UG Fee 20850 GBP
Average Annual PG Fee N/A
Application Fee N/A

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Contact Information

  • M P W Cambridge, 3-4 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE, United Kingdom
  • To know more contact PSA toll free number 18002585772
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Campus Information

London Campus

Leading fifth- and sixth-form college offering a wide range of GCSE and A level subjects in a socially relaxed yet highly academically disciplined environment. Renowned for exceptional university placements, outstanding accreditation and bespoke approach to education. The academic achievements of our students are celebrated by the college and recognised by the wider sector. MPW students feature highly in the CIFE Awards presented annually to high achievers at the House of Lords.

Birmingham Campus

Leading independent sixth-form college offering a comprehensive range of A Level and GCSE courses giving students the flexibility to choose subjects that interest them the most. We strive to inspire and motivate our students to transform their academic aspirations into reality. The academic achievements of our students are celebrated by the college and recognised by the wider sector. MPW students feature highly in the CIFE Awards presented annually to high achievers at the House of Lords.

Cambridge Campus

Leading independent fifth- and sixth-form college offering a wide range of A Level & GCSE subjects in a friendly, successful and thriving environment right in the heart of Cambridge. Our goal at MPW is to equip students with the academic and personal skills they require to advance successfully to the next stage of their education; our academic successes are testimony to our dedication to work with our students to achieve these goals.

Programs Offered

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Foundation Programme - NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY)

  • Length 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee 21750 GBP
  • Application Fee N/A
  • Average processing time 21 days
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