Worcester Sixth Form College Secures £3.36 Million Government Investment to Expand Facilities and Support Future Growth
The investment will fund the construction of a new four-storey extension at Worcester Sixth Form College, creating a net increase of five classrooms alongside additional study and social learning spaces, approximately 25 new toilet cubicles, and improvements to accessibility and circulation around the site. The project has been designed to address increasing accommodation pressures, enhance the student experience and strengthen the College’s ability to meet rising demand for high-quality post-16 education in the city.
The College has experienced significant growth in recent years, now educating over a fifth of the students in post-16 education in the county as a result of its curriculum breadth spanning a wide range of A Levels, Applied/AAQ, T Level and GCSE subjects. The development will not only improve facilities for existing students but will also support additional learner capacity across Worcester’s post-16 sector.
As part of the wider project, Heart of Mercia Trust has committed to investing its own reserves to improve working conditions and facilities within the College cafeteria. The plans include increasing the ceiling height, alongside the creation of a new kitchen. These improvements will provide a significantly enhanced environment for both staff and students.
Peter Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Heart of Mercia Trust, said:
“We are delighted that the Department for Education has approved this significant investment in Worcester Sixth Form College. The funding recognises both the growing demand for post-16 education in Worcester and the College’s strong track record of delivering high-quality outcomes for young people.
This project will provide modern teaching and learning facilities, improve accessibility, create much-needed study and social spaces, and enhance the overall student experience. Importantly, it will also support our ambition to ensure that more young people across Worcester can access an outstanding sixth form education.”
The project has been managed by WMC Partnership with design by BPN Architects and construction by Kavannagh Construction 2 Ltd and will form the first phase of a longer-term site development strategy focused on further enhancing the College’s facilities, making better use of available space and creating a more sustainable learning environment. The building will incorporate energy-efficient features including heat recovery units and low-flow water fittings to support the College’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Work will begin on site in October and the work programme has been planned to minimise any disruption to students.
Jane Jenkins, Principal of Worcester Sixth Form College, said:
“This investment represents an exciting milestone for the College. It will enable us to provide enhanced facilities for our current students while ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of future generations.
We are particularly pleased that the project will deliver additional learning spaces, improved facilities and a better environment for students and staff alike. We look forward to working closely with our partners to bring these plans to life.”
Further updates on the project timeline and construction programme will be shared with students, staff, parents and the wider community as the development progresses.