College launches Nexus Academy to strengthen inclusive teaching, digital practice and student opportunities

Barnsley College has launched a new partnership with Nexus Multi Academy Trust to create opportunities for both students and staff to share expertise in inclusive teaching.

The Nexus Academy is the first of the College’s Academy partnerships to be based at Barnsley College University Centre since the historic Church Street building reopened after its £18m restoration.

The new partnership will explore how both organisations can learn from one another to support students’ development and progression.

A key opportunity is for Nexus, a trust dedicated to specialist inclusive teaching that operates 23 schools, to contribute to the College’s teacher training provision – ensuring that not only those new to the profession, but colleagues developing their teaching practice, can strengthen their understanding of different learning needs.

Connagh Hawkins, a Digital Teaching Assistant with Nexus, studied Esports at Barnsley College and credits his time on the course with giving him the skills and confidence to support him in his current role.

He hopes to carry on his progression and become a teaching lead with the trust.

Connagh said: “I was always a quiet student in high school. Through Esports, I had the chance to become more of an outgoing person, be able to speak to people more often and more confidently, and so that gave me the confidence to land a job and I’m now somewhere I want to be.”

Jean-Paul Lawrence, Vice Principal for Partnerships and Growth at Barnsley College, said: “Nexus brings valuable experience of helping young people overcome barriers to learning, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to combine that knowledge with the technical expertise and cutting-edge facilities we have here.

“Importantly, this partnership also creates opportunities for our staff to develop their own knowledge and practice. By sharing expertise and exploring new approaches to teaching and learning, we can improve how we support young people, not just today but for generations to come. That is where the real, lasting value of this partnership lies.”

Lliam Dickinson, Trust Lead for Digital Curriculum for Nexus, said: “This partnership has huge potential to create clear pathways for our young people into vocational and digital careers, while also creating valuable opportunities for staff development across both organisations.

“We know the fantastic work Barnsley College is doing to lead the way in digital education, and we are excited to learn from and share expertise with the College. 

“By working together, we can help young people develop the digital skills they need to access future careers and thrive in adulthood, while giving our staff teams opportunities to build their own skills, share best practice and explore new approaches to teaching and learning. 

"This is a real opportunity for us all to learn from one another and strengthen the support and opportunities we provide for young people.”

The Nexus Academy joins the College’s network of more than 30 Academy partnerships, which connect students with professionals, work experience and opportunities to understand how their learning relates to future careers through immersive branded classrooms.