Global Banking School


Global Banking School is a private British higher education provider founded in 2010, specialising in vocational and degree-level programmes in fields such as business, finance, and health and social care. It operates ten campuses across London, Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester, enrolling over 35,000 students as of 2025.
GBS is registered with the Office for Students and delivers validated degrees in partnership with UK universities, including Bath Spa University, Canterbury Christ Church University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Suffolk, and Leeds Trinity University.
In the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, GBS received an overall Bronze rating, with Silver for student experience and Bronze for student outcomes.

History

Global Banking School was established in 2010 by Dr. Vishwajeet Rana as a specialist training centre focused on finance and investment banking, offering short courses to equip students with practical skills for financial sector careers. The founding mission was to make higher education accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who might not pursue traditional university routes, viewing education as a transformative force for individuals and communities.
In 2016, GBS opened its first campus on Bow Road in East London, targeting economically deprived areas to expand access for underrepresented groups. The institution broadened its portfolio through partnerships with UK universities, extending beyond finance to include business management, construction management, digital technologies, health and social care, project management, and psychology.
Key milestones:
  • 2019: Launch of strategic partnerships with the University of Suffolk, Leeds Trinity University, and Pearson; expansion to Birmingham and Manchester.
  • 2023: Awarded Bronze in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
  • 2024: Opening of new campuses at Wellington Place and Brindleyplace.
  • 2025: Plans to expand Manchester campus by 55,000 sq ft at Universal Square.
By 2025, GBS marked its 15th anniversary, operating independently under its Board of Directors within the GEDU Group, with no changes in ownership since its founding. Students have consistently achieved high satisfaction in the National Student Survey, exceeding sector averages in teaching and academic support.

Academic programmes

GBS offers programmes in business and finance, construction management, digital technologies and computing, health and social care, project management, and psychology. Qualifications include:
All instruction is in English. Degrees are validated by partner universities and awarding bodies such as Pearson, ensuring recognition under UK higher education standards.

Partnerships and accreditations

GBS collaborates with:
  • Bath Spa University
  • Canterbury Christ Church University
  • Pearson
  • Oxford Brookes University
  • University of Suffolk
  • Leeds Trinity University
These partnerships validate undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. GBS is registered with the Office for Students, and its programmes meet quality standards through these affiliations.

Leadership and structure

The governing body is the Board of Directors, chaired by Professor Mary Malcolm, with members including CEO James Kennedy, Professor Ray Lloyd, Sunita Kotta, Ari Erdenetsogt, and Dr. Vishwajeet Rana. Key academic leaders include:
  • Deputy CEO & Provost: Simeon Keates
  • Dean of Students: Dr. Melissa Willby
  • Dean of Education: Dr. Matthew Carlile
  • Dean of Studies: Dr. Susan Dawn Busby
Deans for partner universities include Dr. Alli Jones, Dr. Diane Bray and Jovana Perzic, Odette Carew, Colin Bladen Kopacz, Sunita Kotta, and Tracy Maule.

Campuses and facilities

GBS operates ten campuses in the UK:
  • London: Greenford, Republic – Canary Wharf, GEDU House – Stratford, Cam Road – Stratford, Bow Road
  • Birmingham: Norfolk House, Brindleyplace
  • Manchester: Universal Square
  • Leeds: St George House, Wellington Place
No international campuses exist. Facilities include libraries, digital resource centres, study spaces, computer labs, careers hubs, and 24/7 digital library access.

Career services and social impact

GBS provides one-to-one career advice, work placements, volunteering, Employability Awards, a Careers and Placement Hub, and an alumni network. Community initiatives include partnerships with Lions Club of Heston, Greenford Quays United Cricket Club, NEO Cricket Club, a panel on inclusive workplaces, International Women's Day events, the Breaking Down Barriers report launch in Parliament, and Black History Month workshops.