Work has started on East Midlands sixth form blocks

Long-awaited plans for the development of educational facilities in the East Midlands have been approved, resulting in employment opportunities for the construction industry and better education for the tenants

Work began on May 18, 2009 to build facilities at five schools in the East Northamptonshire area to provide high quality vocational education for over 250 or more 16-19 year olds across the District. The first of the new buildings at Rushden Community College is expected to be operational by December 2009, with all work completed by December 2010.

The East Northamptonshire College Partnership comprises Manor School and Sports College, Rushden Community College, Prince William School, Huxlow Science College, The Ferrers Specialist Arts College, Tresham Institute and Moulton College, with the support of Aim Higher, Connexions and Northamptonshire County Council.

The Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC’s) 16-19 Capital Fund is providing funding for the building work of just under £7m. The project will create a network of five vocational centres based at each of the partnership’s school sites. There is an agreement that the facilities will be shared to meet the needs of young people across the area which has been cited as a long overdue process in the development of their education system. Staff expertise from Tresham Institute and Moulton College will be available to the partnership.

Each of the buildings will be individually constructed with specialist facilities to support Diploma lines of learning and vocational qualifications:

Manor School and Sports College will specialise in hospitality and catering with specialist facilities including a commercial standard training kitchen and training restaurant with tutorial and meeting rooms.

Ferrers Specialist Arts College will specialise in creative and media. Specialist facilities will include a live music room and film studio with linked control room for recording; acoustic rehearsal rooms; and performance area.

Huxlow Science College will specialise in society, health and development and land based studies. Specialist facilities will include a cooking and preparation area, an open area for role playing; and a science laboratory with fully glazed propagation unit.

Rushden Community College will specialise in hair and beauty. Specialist facilities will include a hair salon, nail bar, beauty salon with dispensary/laundry, reception and customer waiting areas.

Prince William School will specialise in engineering, business,administration and finance. Specialist facilities will include a fully-fitted engineering workshop with equipment such as milling machines and lathes, and a clean area for computerised applications.

Linda Brooks, Headteacher at Manor School and Sports College, on behalf of the East Northamptonshire College Partnership, said: “This project is the culmination of five years planning and preparation from a wide range of partners involved in education provision across East Northamptonshire. Headteachers and Principals are delighted and excited that the build is to commence. These buildings will enable us to deliver a wide range of new courses to meet the learning and skills needs of all the young people in our area.”

Andrew Cheal, Partnership Director, LSC Northamptonshire, said: “Schools, FE Colleges employers and other partners are working together on this project. The development of these facilities will provide a wide range of innovative learning opportunities for young people in East Northamptonshire.”

The Learning and Skills Council exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. They are responsible for ensuring the availability of high-quality education and training for everyone and have one single goal: to improve the skills of England’s young people and adults to world class standards. Their vision is that young people and adults in England have knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. Working nationally, regionally and locally to deliver this ambition on behalf of learners and employers.

Contact information:
Please contact Linda Penrice on
07876 448 794 or
linda.penrice@lsc.gov.uk