Solihull to benefit from multi million pound investment in education.
Solihull Sixth Form College, part of the Summit Learning Trust family, has unveiled exciting expansion plans that will allow it to welcome 400 new learners in a brand new building based on the college’s existing campus site.
Eight new classes will be accommodated, and jobs will be created, as potentially up to ten new teachers and academic coaches will be hired. The modular build will be a bespoke design and specified as net zero in operation. It will provide an ideal teaching and learning environment.
The Office for National Statistics predicts that the number of 16- and 17-year-olds over the next 6 years will increase by about 11,000 in Birmingham and by 2,300 in Solihull. The college wants to make sure they can welcome increasing numbers of learners going forward.
The new building is scheduled to open for the start of the academic year in September 2024, with construction commencing once planning permission has been finalised. It is being funded via a £2,072,512 grant from the Department of Education and a £692,000 investment from the Summit Learning Trust.
The expansion will give learners the opportunity to come to a dynamic and thriving sixth form college with superb facilities and outstanding progression onto higher education, apprenticeships and employment. It will also mean that the college can keep their existing entry criteria at the current level, rather than having to increase the grade requirements to become more selective.
Summit Learning Trust is planning an opening ceremony once the building is complete.
Martin Sullivan, Principal of Solihull Sixth Form College said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be able to share our expansion plans. Everyone at the college is so excited about the new building and we look forward to welcoming even more local young people through our doors next year.
“I am grateful to Summit Learning Trust for helping to fund this expansion, I know they are as focused as we are on providing a top quality education to learners that helps them to identify their goals and achieve their dreams.”
Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust said:
“Everyone at our trust is excited about the expansion of Solihull Sixth Form College. It is great news for Solihull, Birmingham and the surrounding areas that even more young people will be able to benefit from the high levels of education and care provided by my brilliant colleagues at our college.”
8 December 2023