A major new chapter for post 16 education in Telford has officially begun with the formal opening of the town’s new £9m Telford 6th.
Students and staff joined civic leaders, employers, educators and dignitaries for the opening ceremony.
Telford MP Shaun Davies, who was the guest of honour for the event, unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new site, which was the former Telford & Wrekin Council Addenbrooke House offices.
Telford 6th brings A-level provision into the heart of the town for the first time, creating a modern and easily accessible environment for students to study before taking their next steps.
The official opening marks the latest step in an ambitious programme of investment from Telford College, and Principal and CEO Lawrence Wood, said: “This really is a memorable day for us and marks the culmination of a bold vision and many months of hard work by so many people.
“Telford 6th represents a huge moment for post 16 education in Telford for young people right across the borough. This investment demonstrates a real commitment to their future but also to the local economy for decades to come.
“I’d like to say thank you to MP Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Cabinet & Council Chief Executive David Sidaway for their support, our staff and all the partners involved in this project for their help in bringing the vision we had for Telford 6th to life.”
The new campus, close to rail links and main bus routes, is making A-level provision more accessible for students.
Ahead of students arriving back for term, the building, which was handed over by contractors McPhillips in August, was kitted out with £1m worth of equipment by the college.
New Vice Principal of Telford 6th Clare Snik said: “We are only a few weeks on from welcoming students through the doors for the first time, and we are already seeing the difference this fantastic new facility is making. Telford 6th is a place of ambition. We want our students to have an exceptional sixth form experience, to be challenged academically and to have access to the opportunities, support and experiences that will help them make ambitious choices about their futures.
“The building gives us an incredible environment in which to do that, right in the heart of Telford, and it has been fantastic to see how positively our students have responded to their new sixth form.”
Shaun Davies said “I am so proud to be a part of this day. The opening of Telford 6th is about more than giving young people access to education in the town centre. It’s an investment in their future; giving them the opportunities and support they need to achieve their ambitions.
“I grew up in Telford and now I’m raising my family here, so I know how important it is to create opportunities for the next generation. Telford 6th is another step forward, helping more young people gain the skills and qualifications they need to succeed.”
CAPTION: Mia Marshall, Angel Anish Abraham, Harriette Brown, Connie Walton, Vice Principal Clare Snik, MP Shaun Davies, Lawrence Wood, Telford College Principal and CEO; Taylor Jones, Anya Gaborova, Enid Sutcliffe.
