The University of Law profits surge to £4.2 million

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The University of Law has reported a significant rise in profits, posting a pre‑tax surplus of £4.2 million for the year ending 31 May 2025, which is more than double the £1.6 million recorded the previous year. Newly filed accounts show income increasing by 6% to £173 million, a boost attributed to what the institution described as an “optimised course and campus mix” and a review of its costs base.

The private law school, chaired by former Cabinet Minister Lord David Blunkett, expects further financial growth in the current year. Forecasts are driven by “current momentum”, a healthy application pipeline and a suite of new revenue‑generation initiatives targeting key international markets.

The university employs around 1,400 staff, including more than 600 teaching professionals. It operates seven UK campuses and delivers programmes through nine partner universities. The institution expanded its footprint in 2025 through a new postgraduate law campus, in partnership with the University of Hull, and also works exclusively with more than 60 law firms.  

Vice‑Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Nollent noted ongoing shifts in the solicitor training landscape following the transition from the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), with potentially lower-cost options and new competition on the horizon. However, Nollent added: “Based on the latest available Central Applications Board (CAB) data, [The University of Law] has maintained its position as market leader for the LPC and conversion courses, alongside being the biggest SQE provider through the CAB system.”

This strong position is also reflected in The University of Law’s undergraduate performance, with its market share rising to 3.67% in 2023/24, securing its position as the second‑largest provider after the Open University.

Despite this, student numbers dipped slightly to 16,266 in 2025 from 16,828 in the previous year. Nollent attributed this to a “significant decline” in international recruitment affecting business programmes, although there was a “strong recovery” in Business School admissions for June 2025. In addition, Nollent highlighted sustained growth in legal apprenticeships, with more than 450 apprentices joining in September.