Southend City College Receives Prestigious Dual Career Accreditation from the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

Southend City College, part of the South Essex Colleges Group (SECG), has been officially recognised for its exceptional support of student-athletes, achieving the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) Dual Career Accreditation; a prestigious endorsement backed by Sport England.

The accreditation celebrates institutions that empower young athletes to pursue excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Through the TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme, colleges provide the structure and flexibility needed for athletes to balance elite-level training with academic success, personal development, and future career planning.

The importance of this initiative was highlighted in the Duty of Care in Sport Review, authored by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson in 2017, where she stated: “I believe we have a duty to help young people 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.”

The recognition positions Southend City College as a leading hub for sporting and academic excellence in the region. It also strengthens partnerships with local and national sporting bodies, creating more pathways for young talent to develop both educationally and athletically.

SECG currently have eight student-athletes each benefiting from a tailored programme designed to help them achieve sporting excellence while maintaining strong academic performance. The students come from a a wide range of disciplines; including boxing, cricket, cheerleading, judo and basketball all at international level.

Nicki Kelly, Principal of Southend City College, commented: “We are thrilled to receive the TASS Dual Career Accreditation, which reinforces our commitment to developing well-rounded, high-achieving student-athletes. At Southend City College, we understand the complexities of balancing training schedules and academic goals, and we pride ourselves on offering personalised support to help each student reach their full potential. From state-of-the-art gym facilities to expert coaching and academic mentoring, our goal is to empower students to succeed both in sport and in life.”

Guy Taylor, National Director of TASS, added: “We’re delighted to be awarding TASS Dual Career Accreditation to Southend City College. Dual career support is at the forefront of what TASS does, and that’s why the Accreditation Scheme is so important in recognising institutions that prioritise their athletes’ education alongside their sporting development.”

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the college’s ongoing mission to nurture the next generation of sporting and academic leaders — ensuring that success extends far beyond the playing field.