Holyhead School in Handsworth, celebrated in style as the 11-19 Academy formally opened its brand new sixth form block.
The official ceremony was performed by Birmingham city councillor Sybil Spence, a long-time supporter of the school, who cut the ribbon at the Milestone Lane site.
The new sixth form block cost around £1.5 million and was completed in July, having taken six months to build. The opening ceremony was held in the company of distinguished guests, governors, staff, parents and students.They were entertained by dancers and the school’s jazz band, which achieved fame after being invited to play at the Johan Sebastian Bach Musikschule in Vienna, Austria, in April.
The assembled visitors then listened to speeches from former Holyhead students, all of whom sang the praises of the school and the opportunities it had given them to thrive post-16.Holyhead principal Martin Bayliss said: “We began to deliver post-16 education onsite in 2008 with just 13 pioneering students.
This year sees around 200 sixth formers on roll. No wonder the school is a popular choice for 16-year-olds!”He added: “This year’s A level results were outstanding with 100 per cent pass rate. Students applying to university from the school all gained places, with many about to attend Russell Group establishments – the top universities in the UK.”The Sixth Form Open Evening for students wishing to join in September 2014 will take place in the new block on Thursday 17 October from 6pm. The new Sixth Form prospectus is now available at www.holyheadschool.com .