1878 - City & Guilds was established following a meeting of 16 of the City of London’s livery companies and the Corporation of London, the traditional guardians of apprenticeships and work place training.  Its aim was to establish a national system of technical education. 

1887 - We hold the first international City & Guilds examination – in New South Wales, Australia

1900 - We are granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation which denoted City & Guilds acceptance as a recognised part of the constitution and national life of the United Kingdom. 

1907 - Imperial College founded – comprising City & Guilds College, Royal College of Science and Royal School of Mines

1951 - HRH the Duke of Edinburgh appointed President of City & Guilds – and remains so to this day.

1953 - Associated Examinations Board (AEB) established and administered by City & Guilds

1964 - Creation of NEBS Management – specialising in qualifications for managers and supervisors

1973 - Technician Education Council (TEC) and Business Education Council (BEC) established and administered by City & Guilds.TEC and BEC later merged to form BTEC

1986 - Review of Vocational Qualifications and establishment of National Council for Vocational Qualifications

1990  - Purchase of Pitman Examinations Institute and the City & Guilds International established.  Our Pitman Qualifications Single Subject awards in business and administration and English language prove to be worldwide winners

1998 - We award our millionth City & Guilds NVQ

2002  - The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) is formed through the merger of NEBS Management and ISM and joins the City & Guilds Group.  We now offer our learners the added value of a prestigious membership organisation.

2004 - NPTC becomes part of the City & Guilds Group, bringing with it established expertise and an excellent reputation in the land based sector.

2005 - We welcome the Hospitality and Awarding Body (HAB), leader in its field, to the Group

2006 - Along with AQA we begin work on the Diploma due for piloting in 2008.

2008 - Launch of City & Guilds Centre for Skills Development.