Lincolnshire colleges, including in Grantham, Lincoln, Stamford and Boston to receive part of £37 million Government funding to improve facilities

Colleges across the county are set to receive nearly £40 million from the Government for building repairs.

The Government announced today (Tuesday, April 1) that further education colleges in the East Midlands will receive £37 million out of a national pot of £302 million.

Lincolnshire colleges receiving this funding include: Grantham College, Boston College, Lincoln College and the Inspire Education Group, which runs Stamford College and Peterborough College.

Grantham College will receive £340,183 and Boston College will receive £903,236, while Lincoln College will get £1.74 million and the Inspire Education Group will receive £2.39 million.

Skills minister Jacqui Smith said: “Further education colleges are at the heart of our mission to grow the economy and train the next generation of skilled workers under our Plan for Change.

“But the college estate we inherited is simply not fit for purpose. Today’s funding addresses these issues, allowing colleges to focus on what they do best; breaking down barriers to opportunity and inspiring the workforce of the future.”

With the funding, colleges will be able to attract new learners to their institutions by improving the facilities.

Ed Thomas, chief operating officer at Inspire Education Group said: "We are absolutely thrilled by this significant grant.

“It will enable us to modernise our facilities and ICT, providing our students with the cutting-edge resources they need to thrive and develop the critical skills for the careers of tomorrow.

“This is a fantastic boost for Inspire Education Group."

Paul Deane, principal and chief executive of Grantham College said he is “delighted” with the funding.

He added: “It is comforting to know that this government recognises that further education colleges are critical to their mission to grow the economy and train the next generation of skilled workers.

“This funding will help us maintain and improve our facilities for the benefit of our students and we hope that further capital funding will be available, once the spending review is completed, so that we can continue to deliver the skills that will support economic growth.”