Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln - History

History

Established in 1862 as a teacher training college for the Diocese of Lincoln, it only gained full degree awarding powers in 2006. It attracts mature and local students, with 27% of the undergraduate body aged 21 or above at the start of their course, and 50% from a 30 mile radius. The courses often include a vocational element and many, but not all, engage with teaching and education subjects – of four foundation and nine honours degrees, eight include education-related studies or teaching.

Before 2006, the University of Hull and later the University of Leicester validated its qualifications. It was originally known as the 'Diocesan Training School for Mistresses', then 'Lincoln Diocesan Training College' and then 'Bishop Grosseteste College' before becoming a university college in 2006, finally becoming Bishop Grosseteste University in 2012. The college initially occupied the premises of an earlier, unsuccessful training establishment for male teachers, built in 1842 and still in use.

The college takes its present name from Robert Grosseteste, a 13th century Bishop of Lincoln, theologian and scholar.

In 2008 Dame Judith Mayhew was made Provost of Bishop Grosseteste University College.

2012 has seen a change in Government legislation regarding the use of the university title meaning that higher education establishments with more than 1,000 students can apply for the title. Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln applied for the University title in June 2012 and has now been approved to be renamed 'Bishop Grosseteste University'.