The Bedford Sixth Form (TBSF) is one of only 39 centres in the UK to win a share of £83 million which the Government is giving out to “future proof” education for those aged over 16.
Part of The Bedford College Group, TBSF has been award £3.3 million towards upgrading facilities in the Victorian building which is situated in Bromham Road and was previously the Harpur Trust High School.
Now affectionately known as “Hogwarts”, TBSF is exclusively for the over 16s and since opening seven years ago has become Bedford’s biggest sixth form offering a wide range of A-Level and Diploma courses and acting as a stepping stone between school and university.
The £3.3 million will be spent on refitting some of the beautiful “heritage” classrooms, installing a new science lab, upgrading the Lecture Theatre and providing a Common Room where students can relax.
Comment from Head of The Bedford Sixth Form, Helen Smith: “We are really excited with the opportunities that this investment brings for the students of The Bedford Sixth Form. Our fabulous building will be further developed to create more flexible learning spaces for students.”
This funding adds to millions of pounds of investment already brought into the town by The Bedford College Group.
The riverside campus off Cauldwell Street has now state-of-the-art ‘modern methods’ of construction centre, advanced engineering and award-winning computer/IT training facilities which are unrivalled in the region.
Thousands of students and staff support town centre businesses during the week, and add to the wider economy because employers are attracted to the highly skilled workforce created on campus.