VIPs gather to see shape of the future at Hitchin Girls’ School sixth form centre

Hitchin Girls' School sixth form centre (Image: Archant)

The move to Academy status for the Highbury Road school, rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors, meant that it was able to apply direct to the government for funding – and just under £1 million to create the centre was the result.

Guests including governors, councillors, parents and the heads from the town’s other two secondary schools, Martin Brown of Hitchin Boys’ and Geraint Edwards from The Priory, were on hand to see head girl Amy Jones and youngest pupil Isabella Richards, who has just started in Year 7, cut the ribbon at Thursday’s ceremony.

Amy said: “The need and desire for a new sixth form block had been longstanding and I can say from the perspective of the students the new facility is above and beyond what we could have hoped for.

“The reception has been overwhelmingly positive – particularly to the balcony and kitchen area – and some students have already dubbed it ‘the Treehouse’ because of its wooden form and surrounding scenery.

Head girl Amy Jones and youngest pupil Isabella Richards, who has just started in Year 7, cut the ribbon. (Image: Archant)

“It is remarkably different from our old facility, with a lot more space and light.

“It will dramatically change the energy of the Sixth Form for the better.”

Isabella added: “It is an amazing space, so well designed and looks a great place in which to learn.”

Headteacher Frances Manning said after the event: “The impact of the new centre is already apparent with our new intake of students who are now able to study and work in a wholly appropriate environment.

“This will be an ongoing benefit for Hitchin students in years to come.”