An £11 million programme to equip Winchmore School with a state-of-the-art sixth form building has been completed, cementing Enfield Council’s commitment to provide exceptional educational facilities for the borough’s students.
The new two-storey building, located within the main school site in Laburnum Grove N21, 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, and a floodlit Multi-Use Games Area which is available for hire by the school’s wider community.
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, and this 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.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, 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.”
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Tim Leaver said: “The project, funded by the Schools Capital Grant as well as S106 contributions, 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 met with Ashe Construction who organized a “key handover” ceremony on 4 November (pictured), along with representatives of Winchmore and Durants Schools, including their respective head teachers Jim Owen and Rachel Carli.
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.”
In line with the Council’s commitment to sustainability, 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, ensuring it remains a sustainable asset for years to come.
To read more about Winchmore School and its sixth form, visit the school’s website.
Winchmore School sixth form building
A group photo outside Winchmore School of staff and partners
