A new £1.8 million sixth form building has been completed at Blue Coat Church of England School & Music College in Coventry thanks to funding from Coventry City Council.
Deeley Construction was appointed by Coventry City Council to complete the development. It was supported by Lucas Architects and PMP Consultants Ltd.
This 4,090 square foot expansion project was finished by Coventry-based Deeley Construction, expanding the sixth form's capacity to include an extra 60 students.
The sixth form at Blue Coat School serves 340 students and received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted during a recent inspection.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, visited the school to celebrate the opening. She was joined by staff from the school, CEO of Inspire Education Trust Lois Whitehouse, representatives from Deeley Construction and the wider project delivery team.
Cllr Sandhu, said: “It was wonderful to speak with students and staff at the school at the opening of the new sixth form building.
“We may have been celebrating the opening of the new space, but it is the staff and teachers who make a difference, and that stays with young people throughout their lives.
“We would like to thank Deeley Construction for building this wonderful place, it was delivered on time and on budget, and it was clear today the legacy that this project will leave at Blue Coat School.
“I would also like to thank the students for joining us to celebrate the opening and showing us what great young people, they are.”
Guests were treated to singing performances from the school gospel choir, Year Eight student Lisa Karen and sixth form students Evie Jones and Jason Dhayaparan. Year 13 students Samuel Akuneme and Victoria Tankoano also spoke to guests about how the sixth form has supported their development.
Jen Davoile, Head of Sixth Form, said: “The new building is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible environment for learning and growth.
“It symbolises our dedication to excellence and innovation, ensuring that our students have the resources and facility they need to continue their incredible work.
“The possibilities are endless in this new building and I have no doubt that our students and staff will make the most of every opportunity it provides.”
Headteacher Vicki Shelley added: “We’re so grateful to the local authority for funding this block for us and we’re delighted that our sixth form students have this new home. It’s what our fantastic young people deserve.”
This project is the latest in a series of three projects which Deeley Construction has completed at schools across Coventry in the last two years.
The company also supported a careers fair at Blue Coat School, alongside hosting educational visits for students to the site throughout the project and talks with students about careers in the construction sector.
Steve Turner, Construction Director at Deeley Construction, said: “We are proud to have delivered this project in partnership with Coventry City Council which will bring lasting benefit to sixth form students at the school.
“We have worked closely with the school throughout the project to welcome students on to the site and give them some insight into what it is to build a career in construction.
“The opening event was the perfect way to mark the completion of this project and we enjoyed the opportunity to speak with students and learn what the new building means to them.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu (centre) with staff and students from Blue Coat School, representatives from Deeley Construction and the wider project team.