The learning disability charity, Linkage, has appointed Martin Shelton as the new Principal of its further education operation in Greater Lincolnshire.
Martin takes charge of Linkage College, which has campuses on Weelsby Road in Grimsby and at Toynton All Saints near Spilsby, after a few months as its interim Principal.
His move, after more than 20 years at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, comes as Linkage prepares to open a third campus in Lincoln. The funding was confirmed last month by the National Lottery for a multi-million pound regeneration of Boultham Park in the city, where work will start soon on an education centre, café and horticulture centre. This will be in partnership with the City of Lincoln Council.
Martin says: “I am thrilled and excited about my appointment, which presents a great opportunity to join a great team, working together in the further development and growth of Linkage College. There has never been a bigger demand for further education for people with special educational needs. The charity which set up the College is marking its 40th anniversary in 2016 and my challenge is to further develop our provision in addition to sustaining the outstanding progress that has been achieved to date.”
Linkage College currently has around 100 students with learning disabilities from across Greater Lincolnshire and beyond, studying a range of vocational qualifications to help lead towards a more independent life. Its last Ofsted result, in 2013, said Linkage was good with outstanding outcomes for learners.