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New era for national education provider

Following a year of huge growth, Open Study College (OSC) has announced that the next generation of the family-owned and run business are now the principal drivers taking it forward into its 16th year.

Open Study College Co-founder and former Chairman, Mark Rutter, who this year celebrates 30 years in the distance learning sector, will be assuming a new role as Non-Executive Director.

His wife, Lisa, will be stepping back from her role as Director, allowing their daughters and the next generation of the Rutter family, Samantha and Shawna, to lead the business forward, continuing as CEO and Director respectively.

These organisational changes coincide with OSC’s 15th anniversary, which has seen them reach their 110,000th student milestone, increase turnover from £5m to nearly £6.5m, and increase operating profits tenfold over the last decade from £200,000.

Non-Executive Director of Open Study College, Mark Rutter, commented: “It’s been an incredible period of celebrations both for us as a business honouring our 15th anniversary, but for me personally too as I celebrate 30 years in the distance learning sector. Back in 2007, we had an idea to provide high-quality and affordable distance learning courses and believing in this dream, we made the tough decision to sell our family home to fund our start-up. It all began from our garage, printing and despatching just a few courses a week.

“Fast forward to today, we now have over 750 courses, two offices, 55 employees, and more than 100 tutors. But most importantly, we have helped over 110,000 students to achieve their goals and improve their lives. As a family-founded business, I’m proud to have worked alongside my wife, daughters, and other family members. Together, we have in excess of 80 years of experience in the industry and I have every confidence in the next generation of my family seeing us through another magnificent 15 years and beyond.”

Co-founder & CEO of Open Study College, Samantha Rutter, said: “This year has been an instrumental one for the business. We’ve heavily invested in our technology, systems and people – making sure we’re set up for the future and have the best, seamless learning experience for our students as we enter the next stage. As a leader in this market, Mark has solidified our status in the education sector. We’ve learned so much from our father and will continue to lean on his expertise, guidance and advice.”

Specialising in fully supported, high-quality education since 2007, Open Study College offers the largest selection of distance learning courses in the market, and works with over 70 tutors globally. With family at the heart, an ethos set from the get-go, OSC is firmly focussed on inclusivity, believing that everyone should have access to an education.

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Open Study College launches new Access to HE course for aspiring public service professionals

Looking to pursue a career in the police force, law, or criminology sector but haven’t completed the necessary qualifications to get into university? This one’s for you.

Award-winning distance learning provider, Open Study College, has launched a new qualification to its growing portfolio of online courses for those looking to pursue a career in the police force, legal, and criminology sectors.

The Access to HE Diploma in Public Services is the second course of this nature alongside the Access to HE Diploma (Health) course for aspiring nurses, midwives, or healthcare professionals. Completing either one of these qualifications is the equivalent to securing three A Levels without needing to physically attend a school or college or sit any exams.

The course runs for two years until completion and the first cohort begins in September 2022 with intakes every January and September thereafter. To enrol, learners need to be at least 19 years old and have a minimum of grade 4 or C in GCSE Maths and English. They will also have to provide their own learning device (computer, laptop, or tablet), and have 20 free hours a week to dedicate to studying.

Samantha Rutter, CEO at Open Study College: “No matter what path you’re on, we believe education should always be accessible, which is why we’re incredibly proud to launch our Access to HE qualifications. Often described by our students as ‘the best kept secret to getting into uni’, these courses are specifically tailored as an excellent alternative to traditional education for those looking to go to university in order to pursue a particular career.

“There are so many people who have valuable talents to contribute to key sectors of society, but who are held back as they don’t enjoy such a regimented approach to learning so can’t pursue their dream job. This course aims to grant them as much control as possible so that they can transition into the roles which they seek with the confidence and knowledge to hit the ground running”.

Having successfully completed the Access to HE course, Open Study College student Kacie is well on her way to pursuing her dream to be a nurse.

Kacie said: “It’s really surprising how few people are actually aware of this alternative route into university. When it comes to Access to HE, if, like me, you left school with no A Levels but then changed your mind and decided that you do want to go to university, then remember this course, as it’s a qualification accepted all by itself.”

With no examination requirements, students are assessed via a combination of essays, reports, and presentations which aim to equip them with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need as they aspire to work in the policing, fire and rescue, and legal sectors amongst others.