Pupils dig deep at Sixth Form College

Pupils dig deep at Sixth Form College

School pupils dug for their future at a ground breaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art Rochdale Sixth Form College.

The ceremony formally launched the construction of the new development, situated opposite the Hopwood Hall site on College Road, which is due to open in September 2010.

The students were joined on site by Principal Julian Appleyard; governors; Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families; representatives from Rochdale Borough Council, local secondary school headteachers and building contractors.

Julian said “The day marks the start of a new chapter for A-level education in the borough. It’s great to see the young people involved with the event, as this college is all about their future.”

Once open, the new college will boast impressive teaching facilities, a state-of-the-art IT suite, and theatre and fitness suite. The facilities will be amongst the best in the country for 16-18 year old students and will radically transform sixth form education in the borough by providing a first class, A-level education establishment for around 1000 students.

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said: “I’m very pleased to see the sixth form college now taking shape. It will provide a great facility to propel local youngsters onto university and good jobs.”

Terry Piggott, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council added: “The new college will change the lives of young people in the borough. Now work is underway on site, residents and young people will start to see the new college take shape. It is an exciting time, seeing this project becoming a reality.”

Contractors, Bardsley Construction, have been on site since May and are working to finish the construction of the building ready for the opening in September 2010.