Mildenhall College Academy has celebrated the opening of its new sixth form centre, MCA6, the first dedicated education centre for over-16s in the local Suffolk area.

The new centre has been a part of Principal, Susan Byles' vision for the academy for some time and part of its mission to provide high quality education for 16-19 year olds.

She said: 'The centre will not only provide excellent and bespoke sixth form facilities, but it also has the potential to develop as a further and higher education centre for the wider community.'

The new facility, made possible in part by funding from the Academy Transformation Trust, includes a recording studio, lecture theatre, new science labs, dark room, dance studio and coffee bar.

She added: 'The very best thing about having this centre is the reaction of over 200 students – they love being here. There is an exciting buzz everywhere you go.'

Mildenhall College (of Technology) became an academy in July 2013 with the Academy Transformation Trust.

Founded in 1976 and formerly an upper school with pupils aged 13-18 Mildenhall College took on two additional year groups in September 2012 under Suffolk County Council's re-organisation of schools, becoming a community 11-18 (mixed) school. It currently has 1050 students on roll, with 200 in the sixth form. The academy operates across a split-site with Years 7 to 11 at the main site (Bury Road) and the sixth form in the new specialist centre, MCA6, at Sheldrick Way.

Mildenhall College Academy serves a semi-rural area and over half of its youngsters travel by bus. The academy provides free 'late' transport for students who want to stay for after school activities.