2024 has again been one of success for Boston College with our highest enrolment of 16–19-year-olds for many years. Although there are significant numbers of young people who join us without pass grades in English and/or maths GCSE, we find courses for all who join to continue their education with us. Programmes in electrical, construction, health and care, and art and design were particularly popular, and we have also added fabrication and welding and motorcycle maintenance to our growing portfolio of courses.
The flagship building project – Mayflower – commenced in June supported by £9.6 million from the Town Deal fund. The sight of the five huge wooden arches being craned into place gave a sense of the size and scale of this iconic development and the impact it will have for the Town. The building is on track and due to be completed in the Summer of 2025 to provide a community campus for adult learners including higher education and will encompass our famous restaurant ‘Eden’ as well as a hair and beauty salon and digital hub.
In December, the College was featured in a national report highlighting the important work we do in collaboration with Lincolnshire Police to help meet the government’s mission to ‘take back our streets’. Our students contribute to the analysis of bodycam footage to help identify improvements to the interactions the Police have during searches. This in turn allows students to appreciate the role of the Force in our safety.
We celebrated the success of our students at this year’s graduation ceremony, with over 60 students processing through Boston in caps and gowns to receive their degree certifications in the beautiful setting of St. Botolph’s church, surrounded by staff, friends and family. The Mayor, Cllr Helen Staples and a number of other dignitaries also joined us on the day. Our Motorsport students had a fantastic season, winning 3 out of the 7 categories it was nominated for at the British Racing and Sports Car Clubs Student Challenge Awards. The team was considered the best in the country for race car preparation, race car build and for sustainability and environmental impact.
The College has commenced events to mark our 60th Diamond Anniversary including the launch of the Boston Brilliance Light Festival which will take place next year on 14th and 15th February. This collaboration with Boston Borough Council and funded by the Arts Council has enabled students to work with an internationally renowned artist this year to design their installations for the light projections that will transform several of Boston’s heritage buildings. It promises to be a spectacular display of the pride that our college has in the town.
