'A memorable day': Telford's new town centre sixth form officially opened

Telford’s new £9 million sixth form centre has been officially opened.

Telford 6th celebrated the milestone with students and staff joined by civic leaders, employers, educators and dignitaries for the ceremony.

Telford MP Shaun Davies unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new site, which was previously home to Telford & Wrekin Council’s Addenbrooke House offices.

Telford 6th has brought A-level education into the heart of the town for the first time, in a modern and accessible environment.

It represents 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 Council cabinet and 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 earlier this month, 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: “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.”

Mr 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.

“There is an incredible amount of talent among Telford’s young people, and I see it every time I visit our schools and colleges. We must continue making Telford a place where young people can study and build successful careers, because they are the future of our town.

“Having known this building when it was Addenbrooke House, seeing this transformation fills me with real pride. It’s a great achievement, made possible by the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

The multi-million-pound development, located alongside The Quad, has been funded by Telford & Wrekin Council which is committed to providing young people from across the borough with the best possible learning opportunities.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for children, young people, education, employment and skills, said: “We were delighted to be part of the official opening event for the new Telford 6th.

"This fantastic facility gives students a wider choice of qualifications and the skills and knowledge to secure future careers in different sectors which can lead to a bright future.

“Telford 6th sits alongside The Quad and is part of an academic campus we’ve created at Station Quarter in the heart of Telford town centre which is more easily accessible for students from all corners of the borough.

"This campus is now establishing itself as the place to gain qualifications, learn new skills and secure great careers.

“We are committed to providing the best education, training and skills opportunities for local people and creating quality job opportunities and are pleased to have worked in partnership with Telford College to bring this exciting project to fruition.

“Education is the cornerstone of a vibrant community and by investing in educational opportunities we are investing in our future.”