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New sixth form opens at Dudley College

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After years of planning, a multi-million-pound sixth form centre in Dudley has finally opened its doors to students. The new facility is part of Dudley College.moreThese pictures show the completed Dudley Sixth campus for the first time since lessons started there this term. It includes dozens of classrooms, two lifts, three toilets, a common room and large library.

Christine Richards, assistant director at the college, said: "The new campus has created a real buzz around the college as the students come back.

"The building is obviously brand new and full of modern technology which the students and teachers are enjoying getting used to. We hope it further inspires students' learning and helps reach their targets."

Around 220 students signed up for the lower sixth this year, taking the total number of people enrolled in the sixth form up to around 350. The college hopes for another bumper enrolment next year to take the total number of students to 500.

Among the students this year is 17-year-old Hardip Sidhu, from Wolverhampton. He said: "I love the space we have here to learn, everyone seems happy to be here. I think that's what learning in a new building does."

Natalie Chidhakwa, 17, of Sedgley said: "I think it is good."

The building, which cost £6.6million, was finished in the days leading up to the start of term two weeks ago.

The sixth form has moved to the new centre from the college's campus on The Broadway and is part of a wider project to create a learning quarter in the town.

This includes the college's Broadway campus, Dudley Sixth and the Dudley Evolve vocational training centre.

The Dudley Sixth building has three levels and each of the floors has a different colour theme.

By Alex Ross