The Bishop of Lincoln has expressed his “regret” over the Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) decision to change its name.

Following a consultation with over 600 stakeholders, the institution decided to propose the change to a name that “better represents its location.”

The name change still needs to be approved by the Office for Students in April.

BGU, originally an Anglican teacher training college for women founded in 1862, has undergone several name changes. Renamed in 1962 after Bishop Robert Grosseteste, it gained university status in 2012.

Speaking to the BBC, Rt Rev Stephen Conway, said he was a “great devotee” of Robert Grosseteste.

He told the BBC: "I do regret that this university sees this as a necessity when the title has been so dear to generations of students.

"There's a lot to be said for having a very clear identity and the university's choosing to alter that identity to a degree.

"The name is unique and it does say something about the association of education with the cathedral and with our history as the people of Lincolnshire."

Interim vice-chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: “The proposed transformation to Lincoln Bishop University marks yet another significant chapter in our journey of growth and development, ensuring that our institution remains responsive to the evolving needs of our community and the ever-changing landscape of Higher Education.”

If approved, the institution will be known as Lincoln Bishop University.