Norland College in England produces supernannies who undergo years of gruelling training, known for their iconic Mary Poppins-style brown uniforms and entrusted with the care of royal heirs. While Prince William and Princess Catherine are hands-on parents to their three children, they also rely on their trusted nanny, Norland-trained Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. Borrallo has been a key part of the Wales household since Prince George was just 8 months old, also helping raise Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Kensington Palace.
What It Takes to Become a Norland Nanny
Securing the coveted nanny qualification is expensive, with tuition costing about $30,000 a year. For Alexandra Teasdale, 35, from Devon in the UK, a passion for working with children prompted her to invest in the training, paving the way for a successful career. Founded in 1892, Norland College offers “the most up-to-date academic childcare training courses and the highest practice standards in line with the latest research,” according to its website.
Teasdale, now a mother-of-two, was 21 when she applied. “I actually came across Norland because I lived so close,” she told 7NEWS.com.au. “I was training at the College of Bath to do an art foundation degree because I’m very arty and I love photography.” But struggling to find work in art, she recalled always loving working with children. A conversation over dinner with her parents sparked the idea to apply.
The Application Process
Teasdale applied online and was called for an interview, where she was asked to bring her favourite children’s book. Despite not having a bursting portfolio, she knew she was meant to work with children. “I speak their language, I get down at their eye level, I communicate with them and I listen to them,” she said. “When I was reading my children’s book, I had to put passion into it. Make it magical, like Mary Poppins, where she injects whimsy and magic into everyday mundane life, so the child believes it and feels it.”
Out of 100 applicants, roughly 30 made the cut. Teasdale didn’t think she would get in. She was in class when her dad called and asked: “What’s your favourite colour?” Confused, she answered “pink” before her dad replied: “No brown, because you got into Norland.”
The Iconic Brown Uniform
The school’s uniform has evolved over the years but retains its distinctive brown colour. Teasdale still remembers wearing it in public. “Everyone would just smile. Everyone would just turn stop and stare,” she said. “Seeing Norland nannies in the uniform is more common now, so it might not be as rare. But then it was magic.” According to Norland’s website, the formal uniform includes a dress, jacket, trench coat, hat, gloves, and optional cardigan. “Hats and gloves should be worn at all times when outside, including travelling to and from campus in your formal uniform and at formal functions,” the guidelines state. There is also a trouser option. Uniforms can cost up to $A1,900 (£1,000).
Rigorous Training and Curriculum
Teasdale completed two years at the college before a one-year nanny placement. The elite training came at a price: she paid $A22,000 (£12,000) per year tuition. Today, students pay about $A33,000 (£17,364) a year. Norland nannies now undergo a demanding four-year program combining a degree in Early Childhood Education and Care with the Norland Diploma and a nanny placement. Teasdale’s training included practical skills, lectures, and placements. She learned washing bottles, creating safe sleep nurseries, ironing clothes correctly, and tying bows on dresses. “We would have sewing lessons, which I was really not very good at,” Teasdale said. “My favourite subject was cooking because I was very good at it, so that really formed a large part of my CV. It was amazing for girls who didn’t have that experience because the Norland course taught them fundamentals. It taught them balance, nutrition and what it looked like to have a perfectly loaded plate.” Would-be royal nannies also take etiquette courses to prepare for working with aristocratic families.
During her two years, Teasdale worked in private daycares, preschools, private homes, and the maternity ward at Bath Hospital, with children of different ages.
Career After Norland
After training, Teasdale nannied for eight years, taking her overseas to America and onto a luxury yacht for a high-end family. Bound by strict discretion, she cannot reveal the families’ identities. According to Norland’s website, a seasoned nanny working overseas can earn more than $A220,000 (£120,000) a year. Three years ago, when Teasdale fell pregnant with her eldest son, she left nannying to run her own consultancy business and collaborate with brands on social media.
Teasdale still applies Norland values to motherhood and work. “I sometimes try to hold myself to a nanny standard, which is almost impossible as a mum,” she said. “Your mental load changes so much when you’re a nanny versus a mum. But I still really try to keep the core values.” She believes Norland’s passion, dedication, and high standards make its graduates a trusted choice for the royal family. “The college is tied to a heritage and it’s an iconic role,” she said.
