Northbrook College is large mixed economy college (Further Education and Higher Education) spread over several sites in Sussex. It encompasses a diversity of academic and vocational subjects, covering students of all ages (beginning at 14 with Increased Flexibility courses). All levels of education are catered for starting with school leavers and continuing up to degrees, as well as specific vocational courses leading straight into industry.

The Aeronautical Engineering Department is based at Shoreham (Brighton City) Airport, the UK’s oldest civil airport. All staff have come from the aircraft industry, so are able to teach and advise students from their own experience and up-to-date knowledge, and are also qualified teachers. Before incorporation with Northbrook College, the Aeronautical Engineering Department was known as Chelsea College since the early 1900s, and is still known by that name around the world. The original foundation stones are displayed outside the new building, and the crest and motto are used in the Northbrook College tie as well as on student certificates.

Aircraft on site comprise a flying Cessna 172, a complete functioning BAe Jetstream, a static Beechcraft Queen Air and a Hawker Hunter. Other facilities are airframe components, jet engines (including 2 Rolls-Royce RB211s and a Pratt and Whitney JT9D), piston engines, helicopter rig, propellers and a wind tunnel, as well as avionic and mechanical laboratories and up-to-date aircraft maintenance manuals. The modern administration and lecture blocks house lecture rooms, library, computer rooms and refectory.

Northbrook currently offer the following courses: