A new sixth form centre has opened at Hinchley Wood School and will allow students to flourish, the school’s headteacher said.

The new centre at the Claygate Lane school was officially opened by longstanding school governor, Aidan Fudge, last week after 18 months in the pipeline.

The school were handed a grant from the Department for Education to create the new facility, but were not awarded the full amount they applied for.

To make up the shortfall, students, staff, parents, governors and members of the community embarked on a major fundraising campaign.

From organising quiz nights and rock concerts, to a summer fete and Valentine’s Day event, fundraisers reached their target, allowing building works to commence in August last year.

As part of the works, a new 735sq m floor was built on top of an existing building complete with study rooms, a pair of seminar rooms, common room, kitchen, ICT suite and office space.

Ben Bartlett, headteacher, said: "Our sixth form numbers and exam results have gone from strength to strength over the last three to four years and the existing accommodation was not really fit for purpose.

"This new build will provide the best possible environment for our 16 to 18-year-old students to flourish both academically and as young people.

"We are very excited about this latest development for Hinchley Wood and look forward to both new and existing students being able to benefit from their new home."