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Discover why Bishop Grosseteste University has rebranded as Lincoln Bishop University. Learn the history, reasons for the change, and what it means for students in Lincoln.
If you’ve been searching for Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln recently, you might have noticed a change. From September 2025, the institution will officially be known as Lincoln Bishop University. But why has this historic university decided to rebrand, and what does it mean for students, alumni, and the city of Lincoln?
The story of this university stretches back more than 160 years. It was founded in 1862 as a teacher training college for women in the Diocese of Lincoln. Over time, it grew into a respected institution for education, eventually becoming Bishop Grosseteste College, then Bishop Grosseteste University College, and in 2012, it achieved full university status.
The name honoured Robert Grosseteste, a 13th-century Bishop of Lincoln and one of the great thinkers of medieval England. For many, that heritage has been an important part of the university’s identity.
From September 2025, Bishop Grosseteste University will be called Lincoln Bishop University. The new name has been formally approved by the Office for Students (OfS) after a wide consultation with staff, students, alumni, and local stakeholders.
This is more than just a cosmetic change — it’s part of a broader strategy to strengthen the university’s position and make its identity clearer to people across the UK and abroad.
So, why swap out the long-standing “Bishop Grosseteste” for “Lincoln Bishop”? The university has outlined several reasons:
Not everyone outside Lincolnshire knew where “Bishop Grosseteste University” was based. By putting Lincoln at the front, the new name immediately makes its location obvious. This is especially important for international students and those applying through UCAS who may be comparing universities across the country.
“Bishop Grosseteste” carries heritage, but it can be difficult to spell, pronounce, or recognise for those unfamiliar with Lincoln’s history. The rebrand keeps the “Bishop” element to honour tradition, but modernises the name into something easier to understand and market globally.
The university has expanded far beyond its teacher-training roots. Today, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, from business to creative arts. A new name signals its ambition to grow further and compete more strongly within the higher education sector.
Over 600 stakeholders were consulted on the proposal, and the change has been given the green light by the Office for Students, ensuring it’s both supported and formally regulated.
As with any rebrand, the decision has sparked debate:
Supporters say the new name will help raise Lincoln’s profile, attract more students, and give the university a clearer identity.
Critics, including the Bishop of Lincoln, have expressed regret, saying the old name was unique and tied closely to the university’s historic roots.
The university has reassured students and alumni that while the name is changing, the values, mission, and quality of education remain the same.
Prospective students will find it easier to recognise Lincoln Bishop University when researching options, especially if they’re comparing universities in Lincoln with the University of Lincoln.
Current students will notice updates to branding on campus, websites, and materials — but their degrees will continue to be fully recognised.
Alumni may hold degree certificates under the old name, but these remain valid and respected qualifications. In fact, future recognition of the university may be boosted by the clearer, location-based branding.
Lincoln Bishop University isn’t the first institution to rebrand. Across the UK, universities have adopted city-focused names to boost visibility and recognition. In an increasingly competitive higher education market, clarity and brand identity can make a real difference in recruitment, partnerships, and reputation.
The change from Bishop Grosseteste University to Lincoln Bishop University marks a new chapter for one of Lincoln’s oldest educational institutions. While some may mourn the loss of the historic name, the move is designed to make the university more visible, accessible, and competitive — all while continuing to honour its roots.
For students looking at studying in Lincoln, this means clearer choices, stronger branding, and a university that’s confident about its future.
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