Mottingham Campus Development

Phase One is now complete with the launch of new Willow and Maple buildings

We are proud to announce that the first phase of Capel Manor College's state-of-the-art 'Unlocking Potential' project is now complete with the opening of the new Maple and Willow buildings at our Mottingham Campus.

These specifically designed buildings provide cutting-edge classrooms and laboratory facilities as well as a new reception area, dedicated meetings spaces and an all-new exotics room. These facilities complement our already impressive array of glasshouses, garden spaces, and extensive grounds, along with our diverse animal collection.

This work has been made possible through a £2.5 million investment from the College and a generous £6 million in funding by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Department for Education's (DfE) T Levels capital fund. The College has also invested a further £0.5 million for the acquisition of new equipment and resources.

If you wish to see the development first hand, keep an eye out for our next Open Day here.

What this development means for our students

These transformative changes to our Mottingham Campus will unlock new possibilities for our students. In the heart of London, where the demand for green skills is rapidly growing, we recognise the need to bridge the skills gap and equip our students for success in the ever-evolving industry.

London, a hub of innovation and sustainability, faces a pronounced green skills gap. Our redevelopment initiative aligns with the pressing need to build a workforce skilled in environmental practices and horticultural expertise. Recognising this gap, we are committed to providing an education that not only meets industry standards but exceeds them.

Sustainable design

As London's environmental college, we are passionate that this project significantly improves the energy efficiency of the Campus, as we strive towards a zero carbon footprint, supporting the GLA’s ambition for London to reach net-zero carbon by 2030.

With significant investment, these new buildings feature air source heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling, natural ventilation, and solar panels on both roofs over a green roof structure. The inclusion of these solar panels will result in a projected energy saving of 70%, that will help the College make its shift to renewable energy sources as it aims to ‘go green’.

Further development in Mottingham

Phase Two is underway

Exciting progress on our Unlocking Potential project! Following the approval of planning permission for Phase Two, building work is now underway. This major development will help address skills gaps in land-based and related green skills education across South London and allow us to:

  • Deliver a wider range of adult, full cost and study programmes
  • Provide improved accessibility and a more inclusive curriculum to address the needs of both 16-18 year old and adult learners
  • Give opportunities to underrepresented groups in the sector to undertake meaningful training leading to rewarding careers in the green skills sector
  • Develop and grow our curriculum offer to meet future workforce needs, working closely with employers to respond to industry demand

As construction progresses, we will continue to share updates and milestones from this exciting project that is set to complete by November 2026.

T Levels at Mottingham

Navigating the future of work, our Animal Care and Management T Level course is a pivotal component of government-led reforms, strategically designed to address the skills deficit and offer viable options to students post-GCSE.

  1. Industry collaboration: Our T Level course is designed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring that the curriculum reflects the real-world demands of the green sector.

  2. Essential knowledge and skills: T Levels equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required for success in the contemporary job market, particularly in the burgeoning green industry.

  3. Dynamic alternative to A levels: For those seeking a direct route into the workforce, T Levels offer a dynamic alternative to traditional A Levels, providing a seamless transition into meaningful employment.

Find out more about T Levels here.

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