Our Heritage, Our Future

1885

Hugh Locke King inherits the Brooklands Mansion estate.

The original 19th-century residential estate house where Hugh and Dame Ethel Locke King lived.

1907

Locke King creates the world-first purpose-made motor racing circuit

A motorsport enthusiast, he transforms the 330-acres of the surrounding farm and woodland of his estate by building the world’s first purpose-made motor racing circuit, attracting global aviation and racing pioneers.

Did you know? The remaining steep concrete banking of the track, the aviation sheds and the old airfield is now preserved as the Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World.

1907

24-hour distance record

Selwyn Francis Edge, a British businessman, racing driver, cyclist, and record-breaker, shattered the 24-hour distance record at the brand-new Brooklands track in a 60hp Napier six. This incredible feat happened before the track even officially opened to the public, and the record stood for an astonishing 18 years! It’s even said his run did so much damage, the track was never quite as smooth as intended!

1914–1918

Brooklands track is taken over during WW2

The Brooklands track is taken over for military vehicle testing and the Brooklands Mansion House is converted into one of the area’s 12 vital military hospitals to treat wartime casualties.

1930-1943

Barnes Wallis joins the Vickers aircraft team at the Brooklands estate

Working on-site, he designs the revolutionary geodetic airframe for the Wellington bomber and invents the famous “bouncing bomb.” Developed right at Brooklands, this strategic weapon was used in the historic 1943 RAF “Dambusters” raid to breach vital German dams.

1941

Vickers Aviation moves into the Mansion House

Following a disastrous bombing of the Brooklands aircraft factory, Vickers Aviation moves its administrative headquarters directly into the Mansion House and erects a new building alongside it for their drawing office.

1946

Surrey Country Council buys Mansion House estate

Surrey County Council purchases the historic Brooklands Mansion House and estate grounds from the Locke King family to repurpose the site for public education.

1948

Weybridge Technical College opens its doors

The site officially opens its doors to its first cohort of vocational students. Operating out of the Grade II listed Mansion House, the campus begins its legacy of technical training under its original name, Weybridge Technical College.

1951

College renamed to ‘Brooklands Technical College’

The college is officially renamed to Brooklands Technical College to better reflect its expansive growth and honour its deep connection to the pioneering aviation, motorsport and engineering heritage of the historic Brooklands estate.

1960s – 1970s

Vickers aviation merges into the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC)

Transforming the neighbouring factory into a major hub that produces over 30% of every iconic Concorde airliner. Sitting right next door, Brooklands Technical College serves as BAC’s vital educational partner. Through a structured day-release system, thousands of local apprentices split their week between the factory floor and college classrooms. Powered by senior BAC engineers who moon-light as night-school lecturers, this unique relationship creates a direct pipeline straight to the cutting edge of aviation history.

1980s – 1990s

Brooklands Technical College becomes a fully independent institution

Following the closure of the neighbouring British Aerospace factory in 1989, the college successfully pivots from an aircraft apprentice pipeline into a broader community education centre. In 1993, following national reform, the college becomes a fully independent, self-governing institution, paving the way for modern campus expansions alongside the newly opened Brooklands Museum.

2007

Brooklands merged with Spelthorne College in Ashford.

2016

Brooklands Technical College opens Ashford Campus

The Ashford Campus opens, offering dedicated full-time pathways and essential adult education.

2019

Brooks Salon opens in Ashford High Street

The College launches its professional hair and beauty salon on Ashford High Street, opening a full range of public-facing services and industry training.

2023

Oftsted awards ‘Good’ rating

Awarded a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted, with inspectors praising the college’s calm, high-achieving environment that prepares students for employment.

Our Heritage

Hugh Locke King inherits the Brooklands Mansion estate.

Locke King creates the world-first purpose-made motor racing circuit

24-hour distance record

Brooklands track is taken over during WW2

Barnes Wallis joins the Vickers aircraft team at the Brooklands estate

Vickers Aviation moves into the Mansion House

Surrey Country Council buys Mansion House estate

Weybridge Technical College opens its doors

College renamed to ‘Brooklands Technical College’

Vickers aviation merges into the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC)

Brooklands Technical College becomes a fully independent institution

Brooklands merged with Spelthorne College in Ashford.

Brooklands Technical College opens Ashford Campus

Brooks Salon opens in Ashford High Street

Oftsted awards ‘Good’ rating

Our Future

Brooklands Grove project submitted to Embridge Borough Council

Brooklands Grove Project approved

Brookslands Grove construction began.

Low Carbon Centre grand opening

Edge building re-opened

Barnes Wallis building opened

Tower building opened

Coming soon: Locke King building reconfiguration

Coming soon: New campus entrance, Sports Centre and Community Hub

Coming soon: New SEND facility opens & campus works conclude

Be Collaborative: student filming project for Cala Homes

VIP Event launches new facilities

Creating flexible learning spaces at Brooklands Technical College

Our Heritage, Our Future