[3] In 2005 the college completed a £64 million building programme, which was the biggest investment in accommodation in the history of further education in the United Kingdom.

[7] In Angel, Islington, the centre building was officially opened by her Majesty's Chief Inspector for Schools, David Bell, in May 2005, the same year that Ofsted rated the college's science provision as outstanding.

Applied science courses range from Introductory Diplomas to Foundation Degrees and lead to professions that require specialist scientific knowledge such as forensics, optics, medicine, nursing and sports and fitness training.

Many of the staff have industry experience and there are links with prestigious London universities as well as professional organisations such as the Metropolitan Police.

The centre, designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, specialises in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.

As well as academic courses, students are involved in extra-curricular activities with an enrichment programme, as well as opportunities for trips abroad and the chance to work with professional organisations like the Almeida Theatre, or participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award.