An academy in Ilford celebrated the opening of its new sixth form centre on Monday.
After years of planning, the sixth form at Isaac Newton Academy, in Cricklefield Place, has opened its doors to more than 100 students.
The school now offers a variety of academic subjects and a vocational BTEC for students aged 16-18 and was formally opened by Paul Drechsler CBE, Teach First chairman,.
He said: “It was such a fantastic day. What a wonderful opportunity it is to open a new sixth form.
“I met with some students this morning and each and every one of them was inspirational. It is the best start to the week I have had in a long time, and I have every confidence that the students are going to do brilliantly.”
The secondary school, which opened in September 2012 with 180 Year 7, is expected to bring 630 school places to the borough by 2020 – 90 a year – to help with growing demand.
The Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Linda Huggett, said she wished the academy well.
She said: “Redbridge always prides itself on its education and we have residents move to the area especially for that.
“Isaac Newton Academy has got excellent results and it has been a pleasure attending the sixth form opening ceremony.
“This is an exciting challenge for new students, and it is an opportunity for their growth and development.
“It is obvious from what I have seen today that they are going to be inspired by, and gain confidence from, their excellent teachers and I wish them every success in the future.”
Sugra Alibhai, vice principal and head of sixth form thanked Paul and said she was excited to get started.
She said: “It has been such a joy to see our internal students take their first steps as INA Sixth Form members and we have enrolled a wonderful group of external students who have brought a dynamic and new set of experiences in joining our school community.
“I look forward to us all learning and growing together.”
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