Winchmore School has officially launched its new two-storey sixth form site with space for 180 pupils

Councillors Tim Leaver (left) and Abdul Abdullahi (centre) with Winchmore School headteacher Jim Owen (right)

A school in Winchmore Hill has officially opened its new £11million sixth form centre.

The new two-storey building at Winchmore School in Laburnum Grove is set to “transform the learning experience” for both mainstream students and learners with special educational needs aged 16 to 18 years.

The sixth form building, delivered by contractors Ashe Construction, is designed to accommodate 160 mainstream students and up to 20 students with additional needs. It includes modern classrooms, a dance and music studio, common room, specialist teaching areas and facilities that promote both group and independent learning and a well-equipped, plus a floodlit multi-use games area which is available for hire by the school’s wider community.

It has been funded by Enfield Council’s schools capital grant and Section 106 contributions from local developers. The facilities will help ensure that students are well-prepared for further and higher education and to “equip them with life skills to help them work towards their future career goals”.

Winchmore School has a strong partnership with Durants School in Southgate, and the new facility will enable both to offer a wider range of educational opportunities. By consolidating sixth form activities on one site, the school will eliminate the need for students and staff to travel between multiple locations.

Abdul Abdullahi the council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “The completion of the sixth form building marks a new chapter for Winchmore School. As students and staff move into this modern facility, they will benefit from a cohesive and inspiring learning environment.

“I am delighted that we are also able to deliver more places for students with additional needs to address increasing demand and ensure local children can continue with their studies and access support from within the borough.

“We look forward to seeing the students in the new building and for Winchmore and Durants to continue with their high achievements and community engagement.”

Tim Leaver, the council’s deputy leader, added: “The project aligns with Enfield Council’s strategic goals to provide high-quality educational infrastructure. The new building will not only benefit current students but also attract future generations, contributing to the overall growth and development of the area and to support young people to flourish and thrive in Enfield.”

The cabinet members recently met with Ashe Construction who organized a ‘key handover’ ceremony along with representatives of Winchmore and Durants Schools, including headteachers Jim Owen and Rachel Carli.

The new building has achieved a ‘very good’ Breeam rating and incorporates environmentally friendly features such as photovoltaic panels. It is designed with energy-efficient heating systems and future-proofed to connect to Energetik, Enfield’s local energy company.

Andrew Morris, Ashe’s business development director said: “Creating modern and efficient education facilities fit for the next generation is our area of expertise. We are delighted that this new eye-catching building, with its modern design, will enable students and staff to optimize the learning at Winchmore School.”

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