В центре Телфорда открылся новый кампус для подготовки к экзаменам A-Level

A new £9 million sixth form campus bringing A-Level education to Telford Town Centre for the first time is complete and ready to welcome students. Telford 6th has been handed over to Telford College by civil engineering and building contractors McPhillips who have completely renovated the former Addenbrooke House Council offices, enabling Telford College to relocate its A-Level provision to the Station Quarter making it more accessible for students from across the Borough. This multi-million-pound development, located alongside The Quad, has been funded by Telford & Wrekin Council which is committed to providing young people with the best possible learning opportunities. The Quad opened in September 2024 and is home to Harper Adams University, a digital skills hub operated by Telford College and a start-up business hub which is being well utilised. Telford 6th features state-of-the-art science labs for physics, biology and chemistry, a drama studio, arts studio, bespoke library for learners and much more – providing academic learning opportunities accessible to all and much-needed skills to meet the needs of Telford’s ever growing business community. The development allows the college to move its A-Level provision to a self-contained setting and the central Telford location will make its facilities more easily accessible from all parts of the Borough, including south Telford. More than 500 young people currently travel outside of Telford and Wrekin for A-Level education but the new campus is walking distance from both the train and bus station in Telford Town Centre. The Station Quarter project is part of a wider Investing in Telford and Wrekin programme which is seeing significant investment and transformation in other areas of Station Quarter and across the Borough in Oakengates and Wellington. Investment in these projects is being made to build a better Borough, breathe new life into some of Telford and Wrekin’s most historic buildings and create new community, learning and social spaces. Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “We are delighted that Telford 6th has now been handed over to Telford College in preparation for A-Level students walking through the doors this September. “Telford 6th is a huge boost to the college’s existing training and skills offering, is excellent news for the Borough and is in a prime location in Telford Town Centre. “It complements the other Station Quarter developments which have been completed, or are rapidly taking shape, including The Quad, new residential apartments and a Hampton by Hilton hotel. “We are committed to providing the best education, training and skills opportunities for local people and creating quality job opportunities and have worked in partnership with Telford College to bring this exciting project to fruition. “Investing in Telford and Wrekin is quite literally laying foundations for the future, creating opportunities to learn new skills, secure great jobs, enjoy top cultural activities and live in an attractive place.” Lawrence Wood, Telford College Principal and CEO, said: “Telford 6th is one of the most exciting opportunities for further education in the West Midlands and it is not just a facility that everyone at the college can be proud of, it is something the whole of Telford can be proud of too. “For the first time ever students will have access to A-Level provision and state-of-the-art facilities right here in the heart of Telford & Wrekin, giving every young person the very best start. “The completion of this project marks a huge moment not just for staff and students but for parents, employers and the wider community.” Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said: “The completion of the new Telford 6th is excellent news for education across our Borough. “The facility will give 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 in the heart of Telford Town Centre which is now establishing itself as the place to gain qualifications, learn new skills and secure great careers. “Education is the cornerstone of a vibrant community and by investing in educational opportunities we are investing in our future.” Chris Walker, Building Director for McPhillips, added: “This is a project that means a great deal to us as a company. “More than 75 per cent of our directly-employed workforce live within 20 miles of our Telford base, so it really is a local project, built by local people, for local people. “The completion of it represents more than just a building transformation, it’s a stepping stone for local education and opportunity and we wish Telford 6th every success when the doors open to students this coming September.”