Lincoln College is pleased to announce it has been named the preferred sponsor for Trent Valley Academy (TVA) in Gainsborough.

With its sister site, Gainsborough College, almost on the doorstep of TVA, the two institutions have a long history together. Each year, around 130 TVA students choose to continue their studies at either Gainsborough or Lincoln College.

The college has also worked with the school in the past to develop its post-16 curriculum in Health and Social Care and has expertise in sponsoring secondary school academies, having sponsored The Newark Academy (formerly The Grove School) since September 2012.

Principal and CEO of Lincoln College, John Allen, said sponsoring TVA would be a privilege: “Having been rated outstanding by Ofsted, we feel we are the ideal partner to provide students with a range of additional opportunities to further their learning and prepare them for their futures.

“We are passionate about Gainsborough and the people who live there, and we would take the opportunity to work more closely with TVA to help them continue to grow and be successful. Fundamentally, we believe that education for Lincolnshire residents should be managed by an experienced local education provider, who understands the local issues.”

Principal of The Newark Academy, Karine Jasper, added: “Being part of Lincoln College has bought huge benefits to our school and the community. The college are experts in education with the passion and capability to drive huge improvements. I would welcome working with TVA as a sister academy.”

Executive Head of TVA, Mike Westerdale, commented: “Discussions are in the early stages but we believe this is a positive step forward for the school and the pupils who will benefit from the additional expertise and opportunities the college can provide.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

About Academies
• Academies are publicly funded schools. They don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times. They still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools.

• Academies get money direct from the government, not the local council. They’re run by an academy trust which employs the staff. Sponsors are responsible for improving the performance of their schools. They also provide and oversee strategic direction, enabling and supporting improvements in the education provided.

About Lincoln College
• Lincoln College is the largest educational institution in the county with 10,000 students across three campuses in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Newark

• It is the largest provider of business training and skills in Lincolnshire and provides training for around 1,200 businesses in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire

• The college is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and has a huge range of full, part-time and short courses for students aged 16 and above including university-level courses.

For further information please contact:
Kate Strawson
Director, Shooting Star PR
kate@weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540
@Kate Strawson