Potential Changes to Retford Education Will Boost Careers Opportunities and Skills Locally

Education for students over 16 in Retford could see significant changes from autumn 2018, with a wider range of A-Level and Technical courses being planned. Over the next two years, more adult courses including degrees could also be available in the town.

From September 2018, a wide range of A-Level courses will be delivered in the town’s two secondary academies – the Elizabethan Academy and Retford Oaks Academy. North Notts College are seeking approval to expand their use of the Retford Post 16 Centre, with the intention of offering an enhanced range of technical career focused courses to the local area.

The plans for the Centre are being developed by North Notts College, in partnership with the Academies, in response to the Government’s strategy to address expected increased demand for higher level professional and technical skills in the economy, particularly following Brexit. If approval is secured these improvements will offer an increased range of A-Level equivalent courses, with the opportunity to progress onto HNC/HND and even degree level, making these qualifications more accessible for local students and their families. Academy and College leaders believe these changes will also enable and encourage graduates of the Centre to stay in the area, adding to Retford’s local skilled workforce.

Both Retford Oaks Academy and the Elizabethan Academy are delighted that the teaching of A-Level qualifications will now take place with their academies. Not only will this give younger students more contact with their older peers, offering them an aspirational outlook on further education, it will also ensure that A-Level students access support from teachers who they are familiar with. Additionally they will gain important leadership skills by taking on responsibilities across their academies.

Students currently studying for A-Levels at the Retford Post-16 Centre will be given the choice to return in September 2018 to their base academy of the Elizabethan Academy or Retford Oaks Academy to continue their studies, or to swap if the other academy has a more suitable offer for them.

As this exciting opportunity develops, more information will be available over the coming months.