Havering Sixth Form in Hornchurch to build new £5.65m block

A sixth form college has received a £4 million grant to help build a new teaching block at its campus.

The extra funding for Havering Sixth Form, part of the New City College group, in Hornchurch comes amid rising demand for student places.

Applications for the next school year are up 25 per cent on last year.

The Department for Education will provide £4 million to part-fund a £5.65 million development at the Wingletye Lane site.

The remaining cash for the new teaching block will be provided by New City College itself.

The grant has strict conditions attached, meaning that any new facilities must be built by September 2024.

The money is part of the Post-16 Capacity Grant which is set to benefit more than 40 schools and colleges nationwide.

Conservative MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, Julia Lopez, welcomed the announcement, saying: “I am delighted that Havering Sixth Form was selected as one of the 44 schools and colleges to receive direct Government funding for new educational facilities.

She added: “In March this year I met with the principal of Havering Sixth Form, Janet Smith, who told me of the college’s ambition to develop the range of courses available to students working with local stakeholders, and to improve facilities.

“This Government funding will help accelerate those plans.”