Oxford Business College's new chair of the board of governors will focus on growing adult learning and taking courses to students worldwide.

Nick Petford, who led the University of Northampton for 12 years as vice chancellor, wants to use technology to offer lessons virtually to students around the world

Mr Petford said: "Just as one can now watch a football match from anywhere in the world, the same should be true for accessing life-changing education."

The Oxford Business College, with campuses in Oxford, Nottingham, Slough and West London, primarily offers business courses.

Mr Petford plans to supplement these by offering a variety of options designed to increase students' appeal to major employers.

Seeing the West London campus's proximity to Heathrow Airport as an advantage, Mr Petford intends to introduce courses in tourism, hotel management, and airport administration and security.

He also sees an opportunity in the growing market for adult learning, and believes there is a chance to deliver bite-sized courses that help employees upskill themselves alongside work.

He continued: "There is also a growing need for flexible, modular learning from working professionals seeking to upskill themselves, and we could help fill this demand with bite-sized courses."

Having begun his academic journey by studying at the Universities of London, Liverpool and Cambridge, Mr Petford finished a business management and administration course at Harvard Business School, and identifies with those students who have not followed a traditional route through education.

He started work at 16 in a tool factory, before going to university at 24 as part of an access to higher education programme.

He added: “Like many of the college’s students, I didn’t follow the traditional path through higher education, so I understand the importance of making education fit around busy lives.

“This is a hugely exciting time to be joining Oxford Business College, and I look forward to guiding it towards further success.

“I see great potential for the college to use technology to reach vast student populations around the globe that are crying out for high-quality education.

“The higher education landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, and I want to see Oxford Business College use its innovative spirit to offer bold and imaginative solutions that improve students’ lives."

Sarwar Khawaja, chairman of the executive board of Oxford Business College, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nick to lead our board of governors, and his learnings from the business and education world will help propel Oxford Business College to the next level.

"Nick’s experience in nurturing student entrepreneurs makes him perfectly suited to helping create a new generation of business owners."