BOHUNT is getting ready to welcome sixth form students from across the area for the first time into their purpose-built new building now almost nearing completion.

Opening in September, the new sixth form will occupy a three-storey building specifically tailored to meet the needs of A-level students, featuring state-of-the-art facilities reflecting the bespoke curriculum on offer.

Bohunt claims teaching will provide prospective students with a “different, personalised learning experience, offering a taste and insight into university life, ideally preparing them for the next stage of their education”.

Facilities include four undergraduate-style science laboratories, equipped with the most modern apparatus, an “ideas wall” to encourage student group work, and benches for experiment and theory work.

The library and resource centre feature individual study stations and computers, as well as a large screen television for students to watch streamed lectures and innovative events from universities across the country.

Seminar rooms will match the undergraduate feel of small study groups, again providing preparation for life at leading universities.

The computer science room contains high specification computers, tailored to the needs of science and photography students for A- level courses, as well as a designated visual arts room with individual creative work spaces. Music rooms include recording facilities and for drama students – and guest speakers – there will be a performance space.

The students will have the opportunity to work, eat and socialise in the main café, offering high street quality coffees, hot drinks, homemade cakes and sandwiches, along with options of healthy noodle pots, pasta and sushi.

Sixth form head Clare Hodgson told The Herald: “We are delighted with how the new building is developing (right), and are so excited by the high quality of learning and teaching spaces that students will be able to enjoy.

“It really is an extraordinary building, providing everything sixth form students will need to progress to leading universities and the standard of the building will match the quality of teaching and the aspirations of our students.”

Neil Strowger, chief exective of Bohunt Education Trust (BET), which runs the school, added the new building would create a “learning community which prepares students for their future lives.

He said: “Bohunt sixth form is committed to ensuring all students leave with the skills needed to succeed and flourish as 21st century global citizens and prepare students for university life, further education or employment.”