What it's really like at the world's most 'elite' nanny school which trains royal childminders... and the VERY strict rules they have to follow

Norland College nannies are known for their distinctive cream uniform, have the seal of approval from royalty and undergo years of teaching, which ranges from cooking lessons to counterterrorism modules. But what's it really like at the world's most 'elite' childcare school? Classes include modern subjects such as self-defence, cyber security taught by military intelligence officers and neurology.

There's also more traditional lessons on sewing, children’s theatre and literature, hairstyling, first aid, play and baking at the prestigious Bath-based college. Even Principal Dr Janet Rose has confessed 'the training is tough' for the 100 students each year that the school accepts on its four-year programme. She told The I Paper: 'There is a certain stereotype around nannying as a career, and especially around Norland nannies, but looking after children is hugely complex and demanding, requiring an enormous skill set.'.

The 130-year-old institution trains childminders of the world's rich and famous, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who hired Norland nanny Maria Borrallo to look after their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six. Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger also employs a Norlander, while Princess Beatrice is thought to have hired a £1000-a-week Norland nanny for the birth of her first daughter Sienna in 2021.

Newly qualified nannies can earn up to £47,600 at the start of their career, while some earn up to £120,000 after a few years' experience - plus perks including designer handbags, trips abroad and luxurious living quarters. Norland College trains childminders of the world's rich and famous, including the Prince and Princess of Wales , who hired Norland nanny Maria Borrallo (pictured with members of the royal family) to look after their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine, and Prince Louis , six.

Alongside a BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning, graduates receive the prestigious Norland diploma and spend a year working on the job before officially graduating. Students at the college learn skills that are more often associated with James Bond rather than with Mary Poppins, including getaway driving and martial arts. The unique degree programme includes psychology, child health, philosophy, social sciences, literature and education.

Modules at the college include Safeguarding and Child Protection, Promoting Health and Wellbeing, Making Sense of Children's Behaviour and Working with Families and Communities as well as Communication in Practice, Food and Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing, Play and Learning, and Sewing. Applicants for the £15,000-a-year course must have at least three Cs at A-Level, or equivalent, and be able to show a passion and commitment for caring for young children, for example with baby sitting experience or by caring for younger relatives.

Those who are accepted on the programme must wear the £1,000 Norland uniform - and while wearing this clothing, students and nannies are reportedly banned from eating at fast-food restaurants, wearing headphones and chewing gum. Norland College nannies are known for their distinctive cream uniform, have the seal of approval from royalty and undergo years of teaching, which ranges from cooking lessons to counterterrorism modules.

Norland College (pictured) which trains top notch nannies employed by royals and celebrities. They must also never cross the road without waiting for the green light to show while wearing the traditional uniform. Moreover, hair must be worn in a bun, nails are to be cut short, the word 'kid' is prohibited and engagement rings should not be worn when working with children. 'We get a lot of people comparing us to secret agents, but our lessons in self-defence and security are balanced against knowing how to use an aga or creating meals for a child with allergies,' insisted Dr Rose.

She explained how graduates are in demand: there are said to be 14 job openings for every Norlander, with requests from 'surgeons, lawyers and businesspeople who work long hours', according to Elspeth Pitman, head of graduates and placements. Ahead of a nanny being placed with a family, there is a formal interview, followed by a trial run for 24 hours, or longer in some cases. Nannies can expect to live in some of the world's most exclusive locations and holiday with families to high-end resorts around the world.

However being a nanny is also extremely demanding: Norlanders must be willing to put the family first and 'never share' any private information they might have heard, 'even if it seems trivial', explained Elspeth. Norland College now accepts international students and had its first male graduate in 2019. Prince George and Princess Charlotte accompanied by their nanny Maria Borrallo at the wedding of Pippa Middleton in 2017.