Sixways Stadium to become educational hub

Sixways Stadium, the home of former Premiership rugby union team Worcester Warriors, has agreed a multi-year deal for Access Educational Provision (AEP) to become a tenant of the venue.

AEP, which provides bespoke, tailored educational solutions to young people in Worcestershire, will move into the stadium from June, operating on site from Mondays to Fridays.

The company’s deal with Sixways Stadium is designed to support its aim of expanding into the independent specialist school sector. AEP will work closely with the stadium team to develop links within the community that provide greater engagement opportunities for young people.

Rachael Ginger and Lisa Cashmore, co-founders of AEP, said: “Sixways Stadium is a culmination of our ambition to provide education for all children who are struggling to thrive within the mainstream environment.

“The site provides a premier location, is easily accessible and offers students a wealth of space, sporting facilities and there is the opportunity to introduce more specialist provision such as counselling and mentoring, a sensory room, and a full sporting programme tailored towards mental health and wellbeing. The increase of space also means a greater offering of vocational and academic pathways for students to develop.”

Laura Napper, director of commercial at Sixways Stadium, added: “We’re looking forward to working together with AEP and providing a safe and innovative space for their learners to develop. It’s great to see the stadium utilised for the greater good.

“As well as a busy conference and events business, and sporting facility, we want to be able to support more impactful change within the community, and the passion that Rachael, Lisa and the rest of the team show in the work they do, is truly inspirational.”

Sixways Stadium has not hosted professional rugby union since 2022, when the Warriors were expelled from the Premiership after entering administration. The stadium has remained open for meetings, conference and entertainment events, and hosted football matches for Worcester Raiders and Worcester City.

Last month, the company which owns the team and the stadium was placed into a pre-packaged administration process amid ongoing plans to resurrect the Warriors and return elite rugby union to Sixways Stadium.