Following a lengthy application process Portland College’s sports department have been rewarded and recognised as the first disability specific Sports Leaders UK Leadership Academy. This means the college is one of the best Approved Assessment Centres in the country which goes ‘beyond the call of duty’.

The honour is rare and Portland is one of only 16 schools and colleges in the East Midlands to be recognised as a Leadership Academy, but to be named as the first disability specific academy is a fantastic achievement.

Dave Winter, Sports Co-ordinator at Portland College, said: “This status has been a long time coming, 8 years ago we piloted a Sports Leaders course with a couple of learners and its been growing ever since. Over the past 5 years, 75+ learners have achieved Sports Leaders qualifications at Levels 1,2 and 3. The beauty of the Sports Leaders qualifications is that they are practical based and so we can push learners of all levels to achieve.”

As a Leadership Academy Portland will act as a beacon of good practice to other organisations in the local area. “They not only deliver Sports Leaders UK’s awards and qualifications with high levels of success and enthusiasm, but by meeting the criteria, these organisations have a very positive impact on the local community with regards to increased voluntary hours, community placements and events.”

Dave continues; “It’s fantastic news and as we continue to fund raise towards our new Inclusive Sports Academy facility, this will certainly help us along the way. The most pleasing thing for me personally is the fact that we are the only specialist organisation in the UK to achieve the status so hopefully more and more learners from across the country will choose to come to Portland College and study sports courses.”

David Savidge, National Manager at Sports Leaders UK says; “Portland College is now considered as a beacon of good practise with regards to the delivery of Sports Leaders UK qualifications. Sports Leaders UK will highlight Portland College and their leadership delivery model as a shining example for other organisations to follow.”

For more details on Portland College and their latest fundraising appeal, visit www.portland.ac.uk