Sixth formers at the start of the new term at Abingdon School were very appreciative of the impressive new Sixth Form Centre that opened its doors for the first time this September. The Sixth Form Centre occupies the ground floor of a new three-story building, Beech Court, that also houses a new library and art space.

Abingdon student, Howard Hawkes said, ‘It’s a perfect place to work or just be with friends. I’ve never really had a similar place before at school so it’s really welcome.’

Talking about the new facilities, the Headmaster Michael Windsor said, “Beech Court has transformed what we can offer our Sixth Form. The careers office, UCAS team and sixth form staff and students are all on the same floor with easy access to the library, café, sports centre, science block and art and drama facilities.

“The new centre is designed to mark the transition from Middle School to the Sixth Form where students have more independence, take on more responsibility for their own learning and enjoy a relationship with the school and staff that more closely resembles university education.”

Beech Court took 18 months to complete and is the latest in a phase of building development that began with the opening of a new Science Centre in 2015.

Budding artists have welcomed the huge expansion of the School’s art space with a new kiln room, dark room, ceramics studio, sixth form studio, exhibition space and purpose-built art rooms.

The new library is quite a contrast to the School’s previous library which was housed in the original Victorian school room. The bright, open plan space has areas for reading for pleasure, quiet group work and silent study.

Michael Windsor continues, “I believe Beech Court and the additional refurbishment will have a palpable effect on the quality of learning, and I know our students will appreciate and enjoy these new spaces.”