About Bellerbys Global

Bellerbys Global History

Our story began in 1927 when Davies College opened in London with a clear mission: to prepare students for Oxford and Cambridge University as well as careers in the Armed Services, Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service.  From the start, it was more than a place to learn – it was a place to explore, discover and prepare for international careers.

In 1959 Davies College opened its doors to a second location in Hove, near Brighton, specialising in A Level study and retakes. Two decades later in 1980 Robin Bellerby became the owner and Principle of Davies College. Shortly after, the college was renamed Bellerbys College – a name that would become synonymous with international education.

Robin Bellerby was not just an educator; he was an adventurer and innovator. When changes to civil service examinations shifted demand, he transformed the college into an English language and academic preparation centre for international students. With a passion for travel and opportunity, Robin looked across the world to find students who could benefit from a British education. By the mid-1980s, Bellerbys welcomed 300 students a year from 35 countries. His personal connection to the Middle East even brought 30 Jordanian military cadets to Hove on government scholarships, thanks to a radio friendship with King Hussein of Jordan. Personalised, academically rigorous teaching and a culture of curiosity accelerated Bellerbys’ reputation for opening doors to top universities - staying true to its spirit of exploration and innovation.

Over the next thirty years, Bellerbys grew into a brand recognised worldwide for its international education. Our colleges in Brighton, Cambridge and London became places where international students came together to learn, grow and prepare for leading universities. We continued our excellence in teaching but also focused on developing confidence, independence and the skills to students need to be successful at university and whatever came next.

In 2022, our UK centres closed because of the economic impact of the post-pandemic education sector. This gave us the opportunity to reimagine international education: how do we keep the promise of Bellerbys alive for those students whose financial and academic barriers may hold them back? How can we make international education more accessible, more flexible and more affordable – but still hold onto the academic quality and standards that Bellerbys is known for?

In 2024 we reintroduced Bellerbys Global as a new model of education that allows students to begin their journey closer to home and progress to top international universities. Over a period of 18 months, new Bellerbys Global delivery partners were established across mainland China and in South Korea. Underpinning Bellerbys Global is a multi-progression model rooted in the same values that have always shaped us – global citizenship, exploration, innovation and choice but designed for the students and educational institutes of today.

And now, in 2025, the story comes full circle. Bellerbys Global is returning to the UK with new centres in Eastbourne and Greenwich, in partnership with TWIN English Centres. These centres combine our proud heritage with a forward-thinking approach, offering students choice, flexibility and a clear path to success.

Bellerbys Global remains committed to the highest standards of academic quality and compliance, ensuring every programme meets rigorous benchmarks and delivers trusted outcomes. Looking ahead, we continue to expand our global partnerships and study centres, bringing the Bellerbys experience to more students in more countries - empowering them to fulfil their potential and shape their futures.