£7 million facilities for East Northamptonshire
Work began in May to build facilities at five schools in the East Northamptonshire area to provide high quality vocational education for over 250 more 16-19 year olds across the District. The first of the new buildings at Rushden Community College is expected to be operational by December 2009, with all work completed by December 2010.
The East Northamptonshire College Partnership comprises: Manor School and Sports College; Rushden Community College; Prince William School; Huxlow Science College; The Ferrers Specialist Arts College; Tresham Institute; and Moulton College, with the support of Aim Higher, Connexions and Northamptonshire County Council.
The LSC's 16-19 Capital Fund is providing funding for the building work of just under £7 million. The project will create a network of five vocational centres based at each of the partnership’s school sites. There is an agreement that the facilities will be shared to meet the needs of young people across the area. Staff expertise from Tresham Institute and Moulton College will be available to the partnership.
Each of the buildings will be individually constructed with specialist facilities to support Diploma lines of learning and vocational qualifications:
Linda Brooks, Headteacher at Manor School and Sports College, on behalf of the East Northamptonshire College Partnership, said: "This project is the culmination of five years planning and preparation from a wide range of partners involved in education provision across East Northamptonshire. Headteachers and Principals are delighted and excited that the build is to commence. These buildings will enable us to deliver a wide range of new courses to meet the learning and skills needs of all the young people in our area."
Andrew Cheal, Partnership Director, LSC Northamptonshire, said: "Schools, FE Colleges, employers and other partners are working together on this project. The development of these facilities will provide a wide range of innovative learning opportunities for young people in East Northamptonshire."
Artist's impression of the building design for one of the new buildings at Manor School.