College which trains nannies including 'Spanish supernanny' who's cared for William and Kate's children for years wants more male, LGBTQ and non-binary students to enrol

The college which trained the Prince and Princess of Wales' nanny says it wants to encourage more men, LGBTQ and non-binary students to enrol. 

Norland College, which trains top notch nannies employed by royals and celebrities, has announced a commitment to expanding diversity at the higher education institute by 5 per cent over the next few years.

Nannies who study at the college, in Bath, Somerset, are famously known for their brown uniforms and exceptional childcare. 

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have been cared for by 'Spanish supernanny' and Norland graduate Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo for almost a decade after she was employed by the royal family in 2014.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger also employs a Norlander and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were expected to recruit one after the birth of Archie, now four. 

Norland unveiled its Enhancement Plan which it says uses a 'dedicated strategy and taskforce' to focus on 'supporting access and widening participation' to the college.

'We have a particular concern to broaden, not only our own student demographics, but to improve the participation of under-represented groups in the sector,' a statement by the college reads.

'We have a number of continuing initiatives which specifically target male and non-binary students, students from under-represented ethnicities, mature students and students that are care leavers.'

Norland says that some of its targets are already beginning to be met, such as the 'vast majority' of students arriving from state-funded education, rather than private schools.

 The statement added: 'We have taken proactive steps to encourage students from different parts of society to study at Norland, such as visiting schools from disadvantaged areas, proactive marketing to change socio-cultural attitudes towards, for example, men working as nannies, and bespoke open days that promote inclusion and opportunities for all.'

Liam Willett and Harry Pratt became the first men to graduate in the college's 131-year history in 2018, but the overwhelming majority of graduates are still young women.

Mr Willett, who was working with a two-year-old boy, said: 'I'm thrilled to become one of Norland's first male degree graduates, and hope to show that gender doesn't make a difference when it comes to childcare.'

Mr Pratt also wanted to pursue a career with children, but had thought teaching would be his only option.

'Having completed the degree, I'm now excited to have the opportunity to inspire other young men that share the same passion for early years education to consider nannying as a career choice,' he said.

Norland College has been training professional nannies since 1892 when it was founded by Emily Ward.

For more than 130 years, Norland nannies have been known for two things: their traditional Mary Poppins-style uniforms and their unflinching discretion.

But Norland College has since made a concession to modern sensibilities by introducing a gender-neutral option to its strict dress code. 

While female pupils had been expected to wear a dress and male pupils trousers, all students can now opt for trousers, along with the traditional tweed blazer or raincoat.

Students are expected to wear the uniform throughout their three-year childcare course in Bath, which also includes lessons in self-defence, security training, evasive driving and – a must for celebrity clients – paparazzi avoidance skills.

While in the uniform, students must not chew gum, listen to music through headphones, buy fast food or alcohol or use a phone while walking.

Many continue to wear their uniform when they start working, either by personal choice or at the insistence of their employer, keen to show off the kudos of having a Norland nanny – which can cost them up to £100,000 a year. 

Despite the high salaries, principal Dr Janet Rose said last year that demand for Norland nannies was higher than ever, with 14 jobs available for each one who qualifies. 

Norlanders are famous for taking care of the children of the rich and famous and several royal nannies have been sourced from the college's employment agency.

In the 1950s, Prince Charles and Princess Anne also had a nanny, as did Prince Andrew's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.

In fact Beatrice herself hired a £1000-a-week Norland nanny for the birth of her first daughter Sienna in 2021.

Those who have graduated from the college include the Wales' nanny and Ulrika Jonsson’s daughter, Bo, who qualified earlier this year.