Gateway Sixth Form College has discovered that three Heads are better than one when it comes to providing excellent opportunities for local young people!
The grade 2 city college has become one of three founding members of the Better Futures Multi-Academy Trust (BFMAT), delivering a mix of A levels, vocational qualifications from entry level to level 3 and GCSE’s maths and English.
The Colleges conversion to Academy will enable the trusted provider to expand and diversify its offer to young people, continue to deliver outstanding teaching and learning and give financial stability for the future. King Edward VI College in Nuneaton and Bilborough College in Nottinghamshire have also joined the BFMAT, in association with Coventry University.
Principal of Gateway Sixth Form College Mr James Bagley stated,
“In these uncertain times it is important that we look ahead and continue to take the necessary steps to ensure we are delivering a first class education for the young people of Leicester and across the wider region. This partnership will allow us to do just that. By sharing our best practices and working together alongside Coventry University, we will continue to innovate and to create even more exciting opportunities for wider learning, experiences and progression for both our students and staff. On a practical level, we will continue much as before, by providing a broad and balanced curriculum backed by excellent pastoral care. Students who are already with us or who have applied to become part of the Gateway Sixth Form College community can look ahead to a Better Future of their own as part of the Trust.”
In October 2019, Gateway was awarded a ‘Good’ grade 2 by Ofsted following exceptional exam results and significant improvements implemented over the last two years. A MiDES Progress Measure report identified Gateway as number one in England at delivering Foundation Level 3 Qualifications and the college also received the highest achievement rate for 16 to 18year olds from all colleges in Leicestershire.
The College has a long tradition of transformation and collaboration. Starting as a boys Grammar School in 1928, the College has evolved to become the modern, mixed Sixth Form College it is today.
It has worked in partnership with many post-16 providers and universities over the years to create the best opportunities for students, staff and the local community. Through creating a formal partnership, the College is able to continue this excellent work.
This is a natural next step that builds upon Gateway College’s vision and values and continues the journey of improvement, aspiration and high achievement accomplished over the last few years. Within the BFMAT, Gateway will retain its identity as a leading city Sixth Form College, delivering high quality teaching and learning and progression opportunities for local young people, whilst working with like-minded partners to support the continued drive for improvement and accelerate the college’s progress even further.
Students who are currently at Gateway Sixth Form College or have applied for September enrolment will not experience any changes to their choice of courses. However, the College anticipates that over time, with the additional support and resource available, it will grow and develop the offer to students by extending the curriculum, building even stronger links with universities and training providers and broadening networks of local partners and employers.
The College is currently closed, in line with government recommendations but staff are available to respond to queries by email and lessons continue for students online. For more information about the College or an application, please email studentservices@gateway.ac.uk or go to www.gateway.ac.uk.