In 1923 the search began for a larger freehold property close to central London. In July 1925 the Council heard that a house then known as 'The Gables' apposite Surbiton Station was for sale. The asking sum for the freehold of the property was £14,000, including a large house to accommodate 28 students, nearly six acres of land and a theatre. On Thomas Wail's advice an offer of £10,000 was made and accepted, the finance being raised through generous benefactors. The move which took place in November 1926 was the point at which the college became known as Hillcroft College.

Many students were at first daunted on meeting Miss Street finding her something of a cross between Julius Caesar and Queen Victoria, but found her to be both kind and humorous when they got to know her. Students spoke fondly of the piano performances given by Miss Street and Miss Powell on Sunday evenings, at which coffee, cigarettes and sweets were on hand.

Miss Ashby took the post of Principal in 1933, at which time the majority of students entering the college were aged 21-42 and came mostly from the following three sectors: clerical, factory or mill and household. Many returned to their former work on leaving the college and some gained promotion after their studies. A very large number shouldered higher responsibilities in the voluntary sector, i.e. Trade Unions, Local Government, Clubs, Guide Companies, Churches, etc.

However, it was not all plain sailing, as the college grew additional staff were required and running repair costs were ever-increasing. A decision was made to sell the Theatre which was sited on the valuable frontage to the station. Some of the proceeds of the sale were used to pull down the old Winter Garden and construct a new college hall. This was to be the first of many changes and additions to the property over the ensuing years.

The Effect of the War

The college closed temporarily at the end of the summer term in 1939, as student supply dwindled and there was danger of war-damage to such a large building sited near London. The property was let to the International Bank of Australasia and The Eastern Bank, who proved to be excellent tenants. Hillcroft was offered accommodation by the Bourneville Trust in Selly Oak which agreement that tuition could be carried out at Fircroft College in Birmingham, where it remained in operation (supported by correspondence courses) until the end of 1943.

In 1944 enrolments rose alarmingly due to advertising campaigns carried out by the college, attracting members of Women's Institutes and the Women's Land Army. The greatest increase in student numbers came from the Forces until a steady decline occurred in the 1950's.

The new Education Act which came into force in 1944 did much to strengthen the case for provision of adult education, resulting in block grants being made by the Ministry of Education. Local Education Authorities also made more generous grants available for students, enabling recruitment from a wider area of society. Miss Ashby deservedly retired in 1945 to her country home, having been a most resourceful Principal in coping with the changes brought about by the evacuation to Selly Oak, Correspondence Courses and the subsequent move back and re-opening the college at the earliest opportunity at the end of the war. Miss Ashby had steered the college through an extremely difficult time with great courage and determination.

The Post War Years

Mrs Contance Dyson became the Principal in 1947 and remained in post until 1963, having previously worked there as a part time tutor, the college maintained and strengthened its curriculum supported by the many loyal and faithful visiting lecturers. During the latter years of her appointment it became increasingly difficult to enlarge student recruitment as women were either not free to attend the college because of their domestic responsibilities or were unable to obtain grants from their local authorities for a non­qualifying course.

Janet Cockerill succeeded Constance Dyson as Principal in 1963, developing the Social Studies Diploma which would for the first time testify the general academic standards achieved, thereby raising the status of Hillcroft. In 1974 London University accepted the last entries to the Diploma in Social Studies, resulting in 18 months of protracted negotiations with various universities seeking recognised validation for Hillcroft’s courses.

Eventually the college's competence and suitability was investigated by the CNAA (Council for National Academic Awards). The CNAA Certificate was launched in the autumn of 1974, and was recognised as a springboard to progress to higher education. It became possible for Hillcroft leavers to follow Higher National Diploma courses in Business Studies and take degrees in Environmental Biology. Students completing the Social Studies option increasingly found places in polytechnics and universities for postgraduate professional training courses.

In 1982 Janet Cockerill retired knowing that Hillcroft would continually need to adapt to presiding changes and influences. The college has had three further Principals to date, all of whom have been instrumental in maintaining and shaping the future of Hillcroft, to meet ever-changing needs.
Hillcroft continues to strive towards meeting the future needs of women today; the mission continues to focus on the education of adult women who have been disadvantaged by educational, social or economic factors.