Earl of Wessex opens new West Bromwich sixth form college
The Earl of Wessex was visiting West Bromwich today to officially open a new sixth form college at the former Public building.
Prince Edward was touring Central Sixth, the Sandwell College sixth form which has opened inside the former arts centre in the town centre.
He was meeting students from the A Level biology and history classes, and unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the opening.
Principal Graham Pennington said: "The transformation of this unique building from an arts centre into a state-of-the-art sixth form centre has been part of a wonderful year for the college with our fantastic Ofsted result and first A Level results.
"We are extremely honoured to receive a visit from our distinguished royal guest to mark this special occasion."
Central Sixth now boasts classrooms, two information technology suites with an open-plan IT hub, informal 'breakout' and seminar spaces, and two specialist science labs. It was opened in September.
Sandwell Council will also run a Community Arts Café on the ground floor of the building from late October, in partnership with Sandwell College.
Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Darren Cooper, said: "It is great to see Central Sixth open. Our partnership has given the building a long-term financially viable future and we're excited for the future."
