New Sixth Form officially opens at Arlesey's Etonbury Academy

Staff and students were joined by local dignitaries and representatives of key partners in the project, which was jointly funded by the school and the Bedfordshire Schools Trust.

The redevelopment cost more than £1 million, and enabled the development of facilities that will be exclusively used by sixth form students.

These include classrooms, a study centre, a common room including a café, a reception and office area, and outdoor social space.

After a formal ribbon cutting at the opening, guests toured the new facilities and spoke to students in the first Year 12 cohort about how they are settling in to sixth form life.

School and BEST staff were joined by local dignitaries and representatives of key partners in the project. (Image: Bedfordshire Schools Trust)

The new students had more than 20 A-level and vocational courses to choose from, and have all been given Chromebooks to use during their studies.

And some of them have already praised the redevelopment. Lucy, who stayed on at Etonbury after completing her GCSEs at the school, said: “I like the design, it really looks good. It certainly feels like our own block.”

Alfie, who has joined Etonbury from a school in Hitchin, said: “The Sixth Form is closer to where I live, so its proximity was definitely a factor when choosing to come here. I’ve already made new friends, so it’s been a great start.”

Joanne Young, principal of Etonbury Academy, said: “This truly is a historic moment for everyone connected with the school.

“This has been a long-term dream and I am excited the local communities of Arlesey and Stotfold now have their own Sixth Form provision.

“Our mantra has been that it is the students’ Sixth Form and they have very much influenced everything, from designing the garden to choosing the colour palette.

The ribbon is cut to declare the Etonbury Academy sixth form officially open. From left, principal Joanne Young, BEST chair of trustees Ilona Bond, BEST CEO Dr Alan Lee, and head of sixth form Chloe Dowden. (Image: Bedfordshire Schools Trust)

“I would like to thank BEST for helping to fund this joint venture. I am truly grateful because without this trust support we wouldn’t have the fantastic facility we have for our students.”

Dr Alan Lee, CEO of BEST, said: “I am thrilled that Etonbury Academy and BEST have made this happen and that the students have been key decision-makers in the design process.

“The centre is richly-deserved, with GCSE results at the school being exceptional again this year.

“Having witnessed the excitement of the students, parents and staff, I now look forward to seeing the Etonbury Academy Sixth Form go from strength-to-strength.”