Age 16-18
Havering Sixth Form has been awarded a government grant of £4 million in recognition of a significant increased demand for student places at the successful Hornchurch campus, which is part of the New City College group.
The grant will part-fund a £5.65 million development at the Wingletye Lane site – including a brand new teaching block – with the remaining £1.65 million being funded by New City College itself.
Although the grant is welcome funding, strict conditions have been enforced by the Department for Education (DfE) meaning that any new facilities must be complete within a very tight timeframe – by September 2024.
The money is part of the Post-16 Capacity Grant which aims to help transform facilities at more than 40 schools and colleges nationwide.
With its high achievement rates, respected reputation, and extensive range of courses on offer, Havering Sixth Form is a popular local choice with school-leavers and applications for the coming year are up 25 per cent on last year.
During the summer break, the college has already self-funded refurbishment of existing parts of the campus to include new classrooms and science labs and has upgraded student services, including a Costa Coffee bar, and social spaces such as the canteen, so that it is ready for an additional 200 students from September 2023.
The increased capacity facilitated by the DfE grant will allow this growth in numbers to be sustainable into the future, allowing even more young people to benefit from what Havering Sixth Form has to offer.
Local MP Julia Lopez, pictured below left, welcomed the announcement, saying: “I am delighted that Havering Sixth Form has been selected as one of the 44 schools and colleges that will receive direct Government funding for new educational facilities.
“It is fantastic to see yet more investment in children’s futures where modern, safe and high quality facilities are being provided so that every pupil has the best chance to learn.
“In March this year I met with the Principal of Havering Sixth Form, Janet Smith, pictured below right, who told me of the college’s ambition to develop the range of courses available to students working with local stakeholders, and to improve facilities. This Government funding will help accelerate those plans.”
