Gainsborough Aspiration Project shortlisted for prestigious UKREiiF One Big Idea Initiative

The locally delivered programme is transforming aspirations for children and young people in some of the most deprived communities across Gainsborough.

The shortlisted idea celebrates the work of council officers and partners who have collaborated to deliver a scalable, cost-effective programme connecting children with employers, role models, and real-world career opportunities from an early age.

Led by Angie Waplington, a retired headteacher, the project has brought together West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and more than 80 partners, including local businesses, schools, community organisations, and Step Fusion role models.

Since 2024, the programme has reached 20 schools and more than 3,000 pupils each term across the DN21 postcode are.

At the heart of delivery are Shay Towns, Senior Communities Officer, and Amanda Bouttell, Employment and Skills Lead at the council, whose work has strengthened coordination between schools, employers and national programmes, ensuring children receive early targeted support.

Originally launched by Lincolnshire County Council in May 2023, the project focuses on raising aspirations, improving attendance, and supporting smoother transitions, particularly in areas of highest need.

Angie is the is the key coordinator, with the schools who have committed to working collaboratively and sharing insight to address persistent challenges faced by pupils and families in the town.

West Lindsey District Council has played a key enabling role, linking schools with employers, funding opportunities and national initiatives.

Assemblies and workshops have featured a wide range of speakers, from engineers and construction professionals to sports coaches, helping pupils explore careers they may never have previously considered.

One pupil’s comment: “I never knew that was a job!” has become a defining example of the project’s impact.

Coun John Barrett, vice chair of West Lindsey District Council said: “This programmes success is down to the commitment of our partners and the many businesses who give their time, enthusiasm, and expertise.

“By working closely with schools, employers and Lincolnshire County Council, we are creating real inspiration and opportunities for children, helping to build dreams and long-term economic growth.

“This project is perfect for scaling up at different areas across the county as we have already seen the benefits here in Nettleham when representatives of Step Fusion came into the primary school following their visits in Gainsborough.

“They children really enjoyed it and got a lot out of the session.”

The project has also built on the national ‘Start Small, Dream Big’ Primary Careers programme.

Gainsborough schools achieved the highest sign-up rate in the county, reflecting the strength of local partnership working.

In December 2024, representatives from the Department for Education and the Careers and Enterprise Company visited Gainsborough, praised the joined-up local approach.

Alex Nightingale, Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub Operational Lead at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The Start Small, Dream Big programme was hugely successful across Lincolnshire, and showed how impactful early careers engagement can be when schools, employers and local partners collaborate with a shared purpose.

“What's been great to see is how our colleagues at West Lindsey District Council have built upon this, embedding the principles of Start Small, Dream Big through the Gainsborough Aspiration Project.

“They've worked hard to expand partnerships, deepen employer involvement and sustain activities beyond the initial programme, and that work has really taken the model to another level, which has had a real impact.

“It's fantastic to see our work at the county council, through the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, built upon at a hyper-local level with such success, and we're beyond pleased to see our partners at West Lindsey rightly recognised for their achievements on this project so far.”

Coun Natalie Oliver, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “One of the council’s main priorities is ensuring all children get a good start in life.

“The Gainsborough Aspiration Project has made a real difference to the thousands of young people taking part, putting them on a path to a happier, healthier, more successful life.

“I’m delighted to see the hard work of all involved recognised in this way and hope it will inspire other areas to follow our lead, improving things for thousands of other young people across the country.”

Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said: “This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and partners and shows how councils can help unlock opportunity and ambition when collaboration is done well.”

As a finalist, the council will present the Gainsborough Aspiration Project at the One Big Idea Breakfast at UKREiiF in Leeds on Wednesday, May 20, sharing how the model works and how it can be replicated in other communities.

For more information about the Gainsborough Aspiration Project visit www.investgainsborough.com/education-and-skills/aspiring-gainsborough.

If any business would like to be involved in the project email [email protected].