New College Doncaster has been revealed as a Centre of Excellence by the Leadership Skills Foundation for the 2026–27 academic year.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the college and recognises its commitment to embedding the development of essential leadership skills into its student experience, helping young people develop the confidence, qualities and practical skills they need to succeed in their future careers and everyday lives.
With only 47 centres selected for the 2026–27 academic year from the more than 2,500 that the Leadership Skills Foundation works with annually, the accomplishment is testament to the dedication and hard work of the college’s staff, particularly its Sport department, in providing students with opportunities to develop their leadership abilities.
Through its work with the Leadership Skills Foundation and the delivery of leadership qualifications and awards, New College Doncaster is helping students build valuable transferable skills, develop confidence and discover their potential to positively influence others and their communities.
Chris Davies, Head of Sport at New College Doncaster, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Leadership Skills Foundation. At New College Doncaster, we believe that education is about much more than academic achievement. It is about developing confident, capable young people who are prepared to take on challenges, support others and make a positive contribution to society.
“Leadership is an essential life skill, and we are passionate about giving our students opportunities to develop these qualities both inside and outside the classroom. This recognition reflects the commitment of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, and we look forward to building on this success to create even more opportunities for young people to grow as leaders.”
The Centre of Excellence title was launched in 2023–24 and is presented to organisations that demonstrate a deeply held commitment to developing essential leadership skills in their learners to help prepare them for work and for life.
To be considered, centres must adhere to a comprehensive list of criteria, including a commitment to effective leadership practices, pathways for leadership throughout the school or college community, fostering a positive culture, implementing innovative leadership strategies and maintaining high standards of learner performance.
Richard Norman, Chief Executive of the Leadership Skills Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to award New College Doncaster with Centre of Excellence status for the coming academic year. We believe that every young person should have access to opportunities to develop the skills they need to positively influence their future and their communities.
“Across the 2,500 centres we work with, New College Doncaster offers an incredible experience for its learners to develop essential leadership skills and it is a privilege to work with them. We can’t wait to see how they continue to build on their Excellence status.”
New College Doncaster is committed to building on this achievement, continuing to develop its leadership provision and ensuring students have access to opportunities that prepare them for success beyond college.
