High-quality Education in a Heritage Setting – Lincoln Cathedral

“Lincoln Cathedral soars above the local countryside, as a focal point for communities over hundreds of years in many aspects of life. The education team uses this awe-inspiring building to engage schools and family audiences with enthusiasm, dedication and focus on delivering the very best possible experience for their visitors. This is supported by their colleagues in other areas of the cathedral’s activity to create a genuinely warm welcome for all.”

Lucy Hockley, the lead assessor for the Sandford Award

Lincoln Cathedral has received an award for the second year running recognising its commitment to providing high-quality education in a heritage setting.

The Sandford Award, a partnership between the Heritage Education Trust and Lincoln Bishop University, is the leading quality mark for heritage sites and services and is the only form of accreditation in existence in the UK, including the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, to provide independent quality assurance through on-site assessment.

This is the second time that the Cathedral has received the prestigious award. Each award lasts for five years so the Cathedral will hold the quality mark until 2030.

Lucy Hockley, the lead assessor for the Sandford Award, said that the team at the Cathedral created a welcoming environment for learning,

“Lincoln Cathedral soars above the local countryside, as a focal point for communities over hundreds of years in many aspects of life. The education team uses this awe-inspiring building to engage schools and family audiences with enthusiasm, dedication and focus on delivering the very best possible experience for their visitors. This is supported by their colleagues in other areas of the cathedral’s activity to create a genuinely warm welcome for all.

“The recently opened Learning Centre and Discovery Centre enhance the experience, through well-designed and beautifully presented spaces. Yet, it is the team that make great, personalised learning experiences, which encourage repeat visits and memories to last long into the future.”

The learning team at Lincoln Cathedral, led by Education Manager Sally Bleasdale, delivers a wide range of learning opportunities which help schools to deliver their curriculum in creative and engaging ways, outside of the classroom in the specially designed learning centre at the Cathedral.

The team offers a wide range of curriculum-based workshops, from early years and foundation stage, through to Key Stage Five for sixth forms and colleges. They cover a diverse range of topics including RE, history, science, art and geography. Each workshop includes a tour of the Cathedral to bring the subject matter to life, and all of the tours and workshops can be tailored to the specific requirements of each class. As well as the formal offering for schools and colleges, the team at the Cathedral also deliver family learning activities throughout the year.

The Revd Canon Rowena King, Canon Missioner at Lincoln Cathedral, said that it is a joy to welcome thousands of students into the Cathedral each year and to be able to add a new dimension to their learning.

“The Cathedral is an ancient building, with almost 1000 years of faith and history to explore, but what makes it special is the fact that it is still a living, thriving church and community. It offers a unique way to link history to the present day, connecting us to those who have gone before and making subjects more relevant to the pupil’s own experiences.

“It’s wonderful to be able to recognise the team of amazing staff and volunteers who share their knowledge, skills and passion to inspire others and ensure that this tradition of learning continues for generations to come.”

For more information on educational visits to Lincoln Cathedral for all age groups and interests, please contact the education manager, Sally Bleasdale on sally.bleasdale@lincolncathedral.com.