Sixth Form College on Track for September 2010 Opening

Rochdale's Education boss Councillor Zulf Ali has confirmed that Rochdale's brand new Sixth Form College is well on its way to being completed for the start of the new school year in September 2010.

The update was given at the recent Full Council Meeting after Bamford Councillor Andrew Abbott asked Councillor Ali how the project was progressing.

The 'financial climate' had put plans for the £25million new college on hold earlier this year after the Learning & Skills Council froze its funding for 42 projects across the country, including Rochdale, pending a review.

Councillor Zulf Ali said: " The exciting construction of the Sixth Form College is progressing to plan and this high quality facility will be ready to open in September 2010. The new College Principal Julian Appleyard is currently leading a recruitment drive and full details of how to enrol are available for interested students on the internet. The Sixth Form College has a prospectus that has been distributed to 13 out of 14 of the borough's secondary schools. The Principal and Vice Principal of the College have spent time visiting prospective Year 11 students throughout the Borough. They have also presented at assemblies detailing the application process in 9 of the Borough secondary schools, with two more assemblies planned. Parents information evenings have taken place at three schools, with two more planned for this month.

Councillor Ali added: "Rochdale Sixth Form College will be present at the Future First event on the 15th and 16th October. All elected members have been sent a prospectus and the website provides information about the courses and offering to the young people of the borough. All involved with the College are tremendously excited that the first sixth form college to be built since 2003 is being built in Rochdale. A distinct 16-19 institution focused on A level work and academic excellence will allow our young people to have a first class offer on their doorstep. All at the College look forward to creating a very special place that is focused upon providing greater life chances and choice for our young people, as well as contributing to the regeneration of the Borough."