8 September 2026
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Home » News » Stansted Airport College expansion backed with £5m investment
Essex County Council has committed £5 million to support the expansion of Stansted Airport College. The Department of Education is also set to match-fund another £5 million. The investment will help create hundreds of new training opportunities for local residents.
If plans for the expansion are approved, student intake will more than double from 568 students to around 1,350 a year. This will help to meet demand for skills in aviation, engineering and STEM industries.
Plans for the expansion include a new two-storey teaching building containing 12 classrooms, a workshop and hangar building, a covered courtyard and an expanded Aerozone education centre featuring a viewing platform.
London Stansted Airport has donated land to be used for the expansion.
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “Our £5 million investment will give more Essex residents access to the training they need for high-skilled jobs.
“By working with Stansted Airport and Harlow College, we are helping build a skilled local workforce, support businesses and drive growth.
“The success of Stansted Airport College shows what can be achieved when local government, education providers and employers work together to create opportunities for residents.”
Alongside a visit to the college, Essex County Council’s Cabinet also visit London Stansted Airport. They were told about London Stansted Airport’s transformation and ambitious £1.1 billion expansion plans.
Gareth Powell, Managing Director of London Stansted, said: “The council’s £5 million investment is a major vote of confidence in Stansted Airport College. It will enable more young people to gain the skills, qualifications and experience employers are looking for.”
Karen Spencer, Principal and Chief Executive of Harlow College, said: “We are grateful to Essex County Council for this investment in the future of Stansted Airport College and the young people of Essex.”
The first phase of the expansion is set to open in September 2027.
Stansted Airport College, run by Harlow College in partnership with London Stansted Airport, teaches vocational and technical courses focused on aviation, engineering, travel, and related industries.
Read more about the college's proposed expansion
