Under a ground breaking partnership deal between the major education providers in Stamford, pupils at Stamford Queen Eleanor who gain five B grades at GCSE or better will have the choice of studying A Levels at the Stamford Endowed Schools, with places funded by Lincolnshire County Counci. 

Stamford Queen Eleanor School, New College Stamford and the Stamford Endowed Schools have formed the alliance to provide a greater choice of educational opportunities for young people in the town.  Students at Stamford Queen Eleanor can now choose from a wide range of courses including GCSEs, vocational courses at New College Stamford and new AS levels in year 11. All students will continue to have the opportunity of studying for A levels and other courses at New College Stamford. 

The Stamford Education Alliance has been created to ensure that the young people of Stamford receive the best start in life through outstanding education.

The two head teachers and college principal signed a formal commitment to the partnership at the Stamford Queen Eleanor School on Tuesday, 8 December, 2009. Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services and Peter Duxbury, Director of Children’s Services, were also present to provide their support.

The new alliance will provide for the needs of all pupils and students from the age of 11-18. They will be able to choose the school or college which is right for them, based on their interests, talents and future goals. A wide range of qualifications will be on offer from the age of 11 onwards.

Wendy Hamilton, Head teacher at Stamford Queen Eleanor School, said: “I am delighted that Queen Eleanor forms an intrinsic part of this announcement today and to signal our commitment to this alliance and to the town of Stamford I am pleased to announce that we will be changing the school name to Stamford Queen Eleanor School, putting ourselves at the heart of this community. The alliance will provide our students with clear, high quality learning opportunities from the age of 11 through to 18 and beyond that will genuinely meet their interests, needs and aspirations.  It will support the provision that we can offer our gifted and talented students and provide shared curriculum and enrichment activities for students from Year 7 onwards.”

Stephen Roberts, Principal of the Stamford Endowed Schools, said: “Today’s announcement provides a significant boost to the education options available to young people in Stamford. Our sixth form currently teaches over 400 students and we look forward to welcoming pupils from Stamford Queen Eleanor School interested in our broad curriculum and extra-curricular programme. Furthermore, our bursary and scholarship programme allows students access to our schools from Year 7, preserving the social mix that is so key to the Stamford Endowed Schools ethos.”

Miles Dibsdall, Principal of New College Stamford, said: “New College will fully support the newly formed Stamford Education Alliance which will enable us to create new opportunities and strengthen our institutions; share staffing, training and development; and share activities above and beyond the curriculum. Our college will support the aspirations of all learners and provide progression routes to higher education. We will work with partners to develop learning at all levels in order to ensure that every student’s potential is realised. All three partners will provide a seamless journey of education, development and training for all young people from the age of 11.”

Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, said:
“Stamford is fortunate to have three academic institutions catering to the needs of pupils and students from the age of 11 and this alliance will help create better, more focused choice for students. Lincolnshire has a strong history of partnership and this collaboration will mean increased efficiency and makes good sense. In the challenging economic climate providers have limited budgets and working together will provide students with enhanced skills to ensure that they are able to exploit all their future career opportunities. These are exciting times for parents and young people in the town.”