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North Kent College campuses in Gravesend and Dartford are leading the way when it comes to supporting talented athletes.
The college has now been accredited by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), a Sport England-backed programme which supports young people so they can gain qualifications alongside their sporting pursuits, as well as follow other interests and further their personal development.
Accreditation shows that a college or university has the ability to support students following a dual career route.
In Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s Duty of Care in Sport Review, published in April 2017, she said: “I believe we have a duty to help young people to achieve their potential, whilst prioritising their welfare, wellbeing and education.
"For the vast majority of athletes, skills and formal qualifications are needed to help them find alternative careers, either alongside their sporting activities or once their sporting days are over.
“For me the TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme is a vitally important measure to ensuring all athletes have the chance to pursue an education and enjoy a more well- rounded approach to life.”
As a dual career accredited site, North Kent College will be an important extension of the network of universities which already partner with TASS, delivering core support services to more than 600 student-athletes each year.
The recognition is expected to attract a greater number of talented athletes and build connections with other local sporting institutions.
TASS national director Guy Taylor said: “We’re delighted to be awarding TASS Dual Career Accreditation to colleges and universities across England.
“Dual career support is at the forefront of what TASS does and that’s why the accreditation scheme is so important for us in recognising those institutions who place precedence on their athletes’ education too.
“We hope that the academic flexibility policies put into place for the accreditation will begin to develop an effective and lasting dual career structure within each institution.
“Congratulations to the successful institutions and we look forward to working alongside many more outstanding colleges and universities in the near future.”
