Informing strategy with data insight

Unrivalled understanding of post-16 education and skills data

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Wirral Metropolitan College
Trafford College Group
London South Bank University
Barnet Southgate College
Grantham College
Preston’s College
HCUC
Activate Learning
Central Bedfordshire College
The Manchester College
Blackpool and Fylde College
Priestley College
Capital City College Group
RNN Group
Nottingham College
Derwen College
Gatsby Foundation
Blackpool Sixth Form
GTA England
Sunderland College
Kidderminster College
Leeds City College
Bishop Burton College
Association of Colleges (AOC)
Blackburn College
City of Bristol College
East Sussex College Group
Carlisle College
Barnsley College
East Coast College
The Sheffield College

RCU is a specialist research and data insight company working across the post-16 education and skills sector in the UK.

We deliver clear, evidence-based insights that shape curriculum, strategy, and policy – supporting better decisions and driving stronger outcomes for learners and communities.

We work with:

  • Colleges
  • Universities
  • Training Providers
  • Awarding Organisations
  • Strategic Authorities
  • National Organisations

Our Expertise

With over 30 years of experience, we understand the challenges and opportunities within further and higher education.

We analyse learner journeys, local demand, skills gaps, and performance data – turning complex data into practical insights you can trust.

See case studies

Trusted across the sector

We’re proud to be trusted data partners for the Association of Colleges (AoC) and UVAC, as well as many of the UK’s leading education and skills organisations and providers.

With over 30 years of experience, we’ve built strong relationships across the sector – delivering practical, evidence-based insight that supports better outcomes for learners and communities.

Proud Sponsors of the AoC Beacon Awards

RCU is proud to sponsor the AoC Beacon Award for Support for Students, a category that celebrates excellence and innovation in how colleges support their learners.

The AoC Beacon Awards shine a spotlight on best practice across further education – encouraging collaboration, sharing of ideas, and the development of initiatives that make a real difference to student experiences.

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“Insights from RCU have helped us develop a curriculum based around demand and the needs of future students.”

Michael Bennett, Head of Student Recruitment, London Metropolitan University

The information RCU provided us has proved invaluable in supporting our marketing strategy

Matthew Grant, Principal, Priestley College

The team at RCU were excellent at listening to LSBU’s requirements and developing a bespoke solution for us on time, exactly as promised. It’s had a real impact on our positioning and apprenticeship offer.

Sammy Shummo, Group Director of Apprenticeships, London South Bank University

"We now have an understanding of demand in far more detail than before"

Hugh Callaway, Executive Director of Marketing and Learner Services, Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education

The survey findings will help us focus our attention on the most important areas first.

Mel Chadwick, Vice Principal, Winstanley College

“Thanks to RCU we have been able to identify specific opportunities for growth and can plan our marketing communications more effectively, maximising our ROI.”

Simon Kirby, Director of Marketing and Communications,, Nottingham College

News and Insights

News & Events

2024/25 Year-End MiDES Report Updates Now Available

21st November 2025 by Ummehabiba Suleman

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News & Events

Vectors 2024/25 Data Updates & New features Are Now Available! 

29th October 2025 by Ummehabiba Suleman

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News & Events

R14 ILR MIDES data collection

24th October 2025 by Ummehabiba Suleman

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