Lincolnshire Tennis Awards ‘Special School of the Year’

In 2025, Grantham Tennis Club received funding from Variety, Voices for Change, which enabled the delivery of a tennis taster session at Newton Bridge Academy. Thanks to this support, more than 80% of pupils were able to take part.

The success of the taster session, combined with the enthusiasm of the PE department, led to a further six weeks of coaching delivered by Ben and James from Grantham Tennis Club. Three weeks took place at Newton Bridge Academy, with the remaining sessions held indoors at the club.

Feedback from both pupils and staff showed just how positive and impactful the sessions had been. As a result, Grantham Tennis Club nominated Newton Bridge Academy for Special School of the Year in the annual Lincolnshire Tennis Awards.

We are delighted to share that Newton Bridge Academy won the Award!

Darren Taxis from Grantham Tennis Club said:

“A huge well done to the pupils at Newton Bridge Academy – they were a pleasure to work with during the taster session and over the term. A massive thank you to Nicola from the PE department who has been incredibly supportive and always willing to engage with everyone at Grantham Tennis Club.”

Assistant Headteacher Ollie Maltby added:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won Special School of the Year at the Lincolnshire Tennis Awards. It means a great deal to everyone at Newton Bridge Academy.

Thank you to Darren for taking the time to nominate us; it really reflects the strong partnership and the commitment from everyone involved.

The support from Variety, Voices for Change has clearly made a huge impact, and it’s fantastic to see how many of our pupils were able to take part in the taster sessions and the follow‑up coaching with Ben and James.

Huge thanks to the whole team at GTC for being so engaging, adaptable, and supportive throughout.”