A-level students have been given a taste of Telford College’s new £9m sixth form – as the new town centre campus officially opened its doors for the first time today (Sep 1). Staff at the newly transformed Telford 6th campus, which includes science labs, a drama studio and arts studio, welcomed Year 12 and 13 students for the start of the new academic year – many of them excited to be learning in the heart of Telford for the very first time. Located at the former Addenbrooke House in Station Quarter, the building has undergone a complete renovation to enable the college to re-locate its entire A-level provision from its Haybridge Road site in Wellington.
Arriving on site today, Brooke Booth, a Year 13 student studying psychology, sociology and criminology, said she was really impressed. “I think it’s amazing. It looks incredible. And I think it’s going to open so many more opportunities for people with new teachers and more facilities directly for A-level students.”
Sandi Ncube, an A-level biology, chemistry and maths student said she was excited to get learning in the new science labs and the central location meant she now only had to take one bus to get to college rather than multiple bus journeys. She said: “I’ve been watching the building progress and I’m shocked to see how it has turned out, especially in such a short amount of time. It looks very beautiful and very modern and I’m excited to be here to learn. I’m particularly excited for the science classes because I saw the blueprint of the labs and they look amazing.”
And students were not the only new faces on site with newly appointed Telford 6th Vice Principal Clare Snik also enjoying her very first day in post. She said she was excited to see the reaction from students as the college marked such a landmark moment.
She said: “It’s been incredible to welcome students into Telford 6th for the first time. There’s been a real sense of excitement and anticipation today, and it’s fantastic to finally see the building come to life.
“Everyone involved in this project has been gearing up for this big moment when students return from their summer break to a top quality, state of the art facility that will enhance their learning opportunities and their future.
“Telford 6th is more than a new building. Our ambition is to create an outstanding sixth form experience, with high expectations, excellent teaching and the support and opportunities students need to achieve their ambitions and progress successfully beyond Telford 6th.
“This is a brand-new chapter for the college, and it’s been wonderful to witness the genuine excitement among our students and staff.
“Telford 6th brings A-level provision to the heart of Telford Town Centre for the very first time and gives us a fantastic opportunity to build something really special for young people in the borough, and to work closely with schools, universities, employers and the wider community. It’s great to be making a little bit of history.”
The new state of the art campus will make A-level provision in Telford more accessible for students – with figures previously showing that more than 500 young people were having to travel outside of the immediate area for study.
Ahead of students arriving on site, the building, which was handed over by contractors McPhillips in August, has been kitted out with £1million worth of equipment by Telford College including new IT and audio – visual equipment, curriculum equipment, including resources for science labs and drama studio lighting. The college also funded 25 new digital interactive screens, 240 laptops and 40 wi-fi access points, as well as classroom furniture.
Telford College CEO and Principal, Lawrence Wood, added: “The opening of Telford 6th is a significant moment, not just for our staff and our new and returning students but for Telford as a whole. “This new campus underlines our commitment to giving students in Telford the education and facilities they need to build their futures in the borough.”
