Norland mannies
Top nanny school with record 4 male recruits
FOR 125 years it has turned out practically perfect young ladies trained to the highest standards of childcare.
But this year’s batch of nanny recruits at the prestigious Norland College, which counts Prince George’s nanny among its alumni, mark a radical departure from tradition.
For among the dozens of impeccably dressed girls are four young men – the highest number of male nannies, or ‘mannies’, since the college opened in 1892.
While their classmates wear a Victorianstyle uniform of a light brown dress, white gloves and a hat, the Norland mannies turn out in a tweed blazer, beige chinos and a tie featuring a gold ‘N’.
Trainees at the college in Bath, nicknamed the Mary Poppins school, pay around £43,000 for a three-year course to turn them into the world’s most sought-after nannies. They learn traditional skills such as sewing, first aid and cooking, but can also take classes in martialfrom paparazzi.arts and In advancedtheir first drivingyear afterto escape training they earn between £24,500 and £31,000 – but after that can earn up to £75,000.
Gregory Ridley, 19, from Warrington, who is one of this year’s manny recruits, said: ‘When my mates found out I was coming to Norland at first they were really unimpressed. But then I told them about the salary and they said, “can I come?! Where do I sign up?” The opportunities Norland gives you are above and beyond any other institute, certainly in this country if not the world.’ Connor Beckles, 18, from Bath, said: ‘They have quite a big presence with the uniform and the reputation they uphold. But it’s not something that I seriously considered until very recently. When I went to the open day I realised it was something that could really work – it made sense.’
Nathaniel Fabien, 18, from Romford, said: ‘Norland is really prestigious and ... I thought if I was going to [be a nanny] I may as well do it well.’ Jordan Murray, 19, from Doncaster, added: ‘I don’t really feel like it’s a job because it’s so much fun most of the time.’
Maria Borrallo, Prince George’s nanny, is a graduate of the school. Past recruits have also cared for Prince Charles and the children of Princess Anne and Mick Jagger.
Before this year there have been very few male graduates. The first was in 1999, while two others graduated in 2006 and 2012. This year – which marks Norland’s 125th anniversary – is also the largest intake in the college’s history, with 103 students signed on to the coveted BA in early years development and learning.
Dr Janet Rose, principal of the college, said it was a ‘truly historic’ year.