What Does the Branston Community Academy and John Leggott College Partnership Mean for Sixth Form Students?

Branston Community Academy and John Leggott College have announced a new strategic partnership to enhance post-16 education for young people across Lincolnshire, with the new arrangement launching in September 2026.

The partnership brings together the expertise, resources, and shared values of both institutions to deliver a sixth form experience built around academic ambition, strong pastoral care, and clear pathways into higher education, apprenticeships, and employment.

What is the Branston Community Academy and JLC sixth form partnership?

The Branston Community Academy and JLC sixth form partnership is a strategic collaboration between two Lincolnshire education providers, developed to strengthen post-16 provision for students in the region.

The partnership has been designed to broaden the educational experience available to sixth form students at Branston Community Academy, combining the school's established community identity and pastoral ethos with the specialist post-16 expertise that John Leggott College has built over decades of sixth form education.

Branston Community Academy will retain its distinct identity, ethos, and community focus throughout the partnership. The arrangement is not a merger: it is a collaboration designed to build on the existing strengths of both organisations while creating new opportunities that neither could deliver as effectively alone.

What will students gain from the Branston and JLC sixth form partnership?

Students at Branston Community Academy will benefit from enhanced careers education, wider enrichment opportunities, clearer progression pathways, and strengthened pastoral support from September 2026.

The partnership is designed to ensure that sixth form students are exceptionally well prepared for life beyond school, whether that means progressing to a competitive university course, securing a degree apprenticeship, or moving into employment with the skills and confidence to thrive.

Specifically, the collaboration will provide:

Students with access to enhanced careers education and guidance, connecting them more directly with employers, universities, and apprenticeship providers across the region.

A broader range of enrichment opportunities, giving students experience beyond the classroom that strengthens university applications and personal development.

Clear progression pathways from Year 12 through to Year 13 and into higher education, further training, or employment, with support structured around individual goals rather than a single route.

Strong pastoral support within a culture of high expectations, so students are challenged academically while being genuinely known and supported as individuals.

What does the partnership mean for Branston Community Academy?

The partnership allows Branston Community Academy to strengthen its sixth form while maintaining the distinct character and community focus that make the school what it is.

The collaboration draws on John Leggott College's experience as a specialist post-16 provider, applying that expertise within Branston's own setting rather than replacing what the school has already built. The aim is a model of sixth form education that is both sustainable and innovative: one that serves students in the local community now and is designed with the future in mind.

The transition into the new arrangement will be carefully planned to ensure clarity and continuity for students, families, and staff. Both organisations have committed to open communication throughout the process, keeping all stakeholders informed as plans develop ahead of the September 2026 launch.

What do the principals say about the new JLC and Branston partnership?

James Carter, Principal at Branston Community Academy, said:

"This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to further strengthen the Sixth Form experience for our students and the wider community. By working collaboratively with John Leggott College, we are creating a model that combines academic ambition with outstanding pastoral care, enrichment and progression opportunities. Most importantly, this partnership is centred on ensuring that young people are exceptionally well prepared for their futures."

Nathan Daniel, Assistant Principal at John Leggott College, said:

"John Leggott College has a long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality post-16 education and supporting students to achieve ambitious outcomes. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Branston Community Academy to build on the strengths of both organisations and provide an even richer educational experience for students across Lincolnshire. Together, we will create opportunities that enable young people to thrive academically, personally and professionally."

What happens next for the Branston and JLC partnership?

Further information will be shared with students, families, staff, and stakeholders over the coming months as both organisations continue planning ahead of the September 2026 launch.

Both Branston Community Academy and John Leggott College are committed to keeping communication open throughout the transition. Students and families who have questions in the meantime can contact either institution directly.

For students currently in Year 10 or Year 11 at Branston Community Academy, the partnership means that sixth form options will look different in a positive way from September 2026 onwards. The enhanced provision being developed through this collaboration will be in place for students joining the sixth form from that point.

FAQ Section

What is the Branston Community Academy and John Leggott College partnership?

Branston Community Academy and John Leggott College have announced a strategic sixth form partnership launching in September 2026. The collaboration is designed to enhance post-16 provision for students, combining Branston's community ethos and pastoral strengths with JLC's specialist sixth form expertise.

When does the Branston and JLC sixth form partnership start?

The partnership launches in September 2026. Both organisations are working through a carefully planned transition to ensure clarity and continuity for students, staff, and families, with further information to be shared over the coming months.

Will Branston Community Academy still exist as a separate school?

Yes. Branston Community Academy will retain its distinct identity, ethos, and strong community focus. The partnership is a collaboration rather than a merger, intended to build on existing strengths while creating new opportunities for sixth form students.

What will sixth form students at Branston gain from the JLC partnership?

Students will benefit from enhanced careers education, wider enrichment opportunities, clearer progression pathways into higher education, apprenticeships, and employment, and strengthened pastoral support within a high-expectations culture.

Who can I contact for more information about the Branston and JLC sixth form partnership?

Further information will be shared with students, families, and stakeholders in the coming months. In the meantime, contact Branston Community Academy or John Leggott College directly. JLC can be reached at info@leggott.ac.uk.