New College Pontefract has been awarded ‘Working Towards’ status, as part of the process of achieving TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) Dual Career Accreditation.
The scheme aims to support the academic life of gifted athletes, and is awarded to providers who can demonstrate an enhanced level of academic flexibility and understanding, allowing athletes to balance their studies with a busy sporting schedule. This might include, for example, students playing for professional clubs and participating in top-flight competitions.
New College facilitates this process by using an innovative teaching approach combined with pastoral and careers guidance programmes, underpinned by high expectations from supportive staff.
Andy Petch, from New College’s School of Sport, said: “The TASS Dual Career programme will allow talented athletes to pursue a career in high-level sport, whilst still receiving an outstanding education. New College will provide a three-way contract between the athlete, their parents/guardians and the college to ensure a holistic approach to the development of the athletes’ talents, both sporting and academic.”
“New College is committed to providing academic flexibility to ensure athletes can attend training camps and competitions though the use of experienced teachers, online resources and personal tutoring on return to college. The Dual Careers Coordinator based in college will also be sharing good practice via workshops throughout the year, covering doping in sport, nutrition and coping strategies along with support from the already existing tutor team. A bespoke area of the college website will also be dedicated to the success of the identified talented athletes within the programme and shared with our partner universities to ensure successful transition to higher education courses.”
The college is on track to achieve full accreditation by the end of the academic year.
