The administrative County of Lincolnshire has a population of over 690,000. There are 97,025 children in 283 primary, 63 secondary, 5 nursery and 21 special schools. There are a number of colleges of further education, 1 residential adult education college and Church of England controlled college of education. The further education service in Lincolnshire is characterised by both the physical size of the County, which imposes constraints on both staff and student mobility and limits the possibilities for rationalisation, and by the range and diversity of activities embraced within the service. The County Council has a policy of freedom of choice at 16+ and this contributes towards the large proportion of non-advanced further education undertaken by Lincolnshire colleges.

Housing in Lincolnshire is both readily available and very reasonably priced. Secondary education in the City of Lincoln is fully comprehensive, as is that offered in the immediate area, although the County as a whole has a mixture of provision including selective education in Gainsborough.

The City Of Lincoln

Lincoln is a small city with a population of around 87,000, but its proximity to several `dormitory' villages and a town with a population of about 20,000 means that it caters for about 130,000. The fabulous skyline of the ‘uphill’ Cathedral and Castle area centred around the historic Bailgate and cobbled Castle Square can be seen for miles around. The city is in the centre of the country's principal agricultural county and heavy engineering accounts for a large proportion of available employment. Whilst heavy engineering is, in common with other parts of the country, in decline, new industries are developing in the city including a microelectronics factory.

In recent years Lincoln has transformed into a vibrant, colourful and cultural city. The Brayford Wharf area, home to the University, offers a vibrant selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. The ever expanding city is proud of its safe reputation and warm welcome. Lincoln offers a wide range of facilities and is ideally located for travel to all parts of the country.

The Town of Gainsborough

Gainsborough, situated 20 miles from the City of Lincoln, is a town of some 17,000 inhabitants in the north-west corner of the County. It lies on the River Trent and is close to the borders of Nottinghamshire and Humberside. The town is enjoying a period of significant regeneration, notably with the creation of the Marshall’s Yard shopping complex and new Riverside Walk which hosts galleries, cafes and an exclusive residential development. Gainsborough’s ‘masterplan’ aims to double the population in the next twenty years with the necessary accompanied growth in housing and industry. A new rail station and improved travel links are also planned.

Engineering is still a major industry in the town and despite having been in decline for some years, the situation has stabilised and some expansion is now taking place through various small firms. Gainsborough is expanding its port facilities and has a weekly shipping run to Rotterdam. Road and rail communications are good, with direct rail lines for Doncaster, Retford and Lincoln. The Humber Bridge offers a fast route into North Humberside and Yorkshire.

The surrounding country area is predominantly arable farming, and the landscape includes some areas of outstanding beauty and conservation villages of limestone housing.

The Town of Newark

Newark is an attractive market town with a population of over 35,000 people situated in the north of the county of Nottinghamshire. The town lies in flat, fertile lowland near the junction of the river Devon with the Trent, some 20 miles from the City of Lincoln, and has excellent north-south road and rail links, being close to the A1 and the East Coast main railway line. The main industries are engineering and food processing although manufacturing has declined in recent years. Otherwise the main economic activity is agriculture based on a large rural area within the district.

Newark is steeped in history and one of its main features is an imposing 12th century castle close to the river. Major redevelopment of the town has taken place over the last few years, whilst still maintaining areas such as the cobbled market place. The award winning Riverside Park is now an arena with play areas, a sensory garden and has been a venue for the Newark on Water Festival.