WORK is well underway on a new multi-million pound sixth form block at Stourport High School and VIth Form Centre.

The school, in Minster Road, secured £3.5 million from the Education Funding Agency to create the state-of-the-art learning facilities - which will be used by 240 sixth form students.

Stepnell has been awarded the construction contract to build new complex which includes single and two-storey areas, a lecture theatre/performance space, refectory, science laboratories, information and communications technology facilities including 16 classrooms.

The construction has just reached a key milestone with the installation of the new building's nine-and-a-half metre-high steel frame.

The new sixth form centre is due to open to students in September.

Chris King, executive principle, said: "The whole of our school community is extremely excited about our new sixth form building, which will provide students from across Wyre Forest a wonderful place to study.

"Interviews are currently taking place with year 11 students and there is certainly an air of excitement from our prospective students who will be the first year group to study in the fully equipped, modern classrooms and facilities."

Richard Wakeford, Stepnell director, added: "This is an inspiring development which will enable sixth form students and teaching staff to benefit from enhanced, modern learning facilities.

"Our team has extensive experience of delivering high-quality educational buildings and we are delighted to be working with the Stourport High School on this new sixth form college which will provide students with the very best possible learning environment."

The development, designed by Sheppard Building and Project Consultancy, alongside Robothams Architects, will create much-needed modern, purpose-built learning facilities - replacing the current sixth form centre buildings which are outdated and in a poor state of repair.