Staffordshire’s leading independent school has unveiled plans for a £1 million sixth form and performing arts centre which it says will ensure a “continuity of quality education.”

St Dominic’s School in Brewood is appointing builders to start work on the 730 square metre, two-storey facility, with a completion date set for next summer and students being enrolled for the 2007 autumn term.

Up to ten new teachers will be needed to help deliver the curriculum at the centre, increasing staff at the nationally acclaimed girls’ school by a third. 

Headteacher Sandra White said the start of work on the centre, which will have 60 places, divided between upper and lower sixth, was the culmination of two years of planning.

It had long been recognised that a sixth form centre would be a great asset to the School, she said.

State of the art facilities including a recording studio and drama suite will also be made available for use by local community groups.

Mrs White said: “One of the most important factors in our success of 100 per cent pass rate at GCSE is the continuity of education, through from primary to secondary on the same site.

“It’s a natural progression for us to carry that forward to studying at A level and we very much look forward to the sixth form opening its doors. A variety of academic studies will be on offer, media studies is also being introduced as well as an NVQ in nursery nursing.

“Students will wear a uniform based on a business suit and there will be a purposeful atmosphere to further promote independence and confidence among our pupils. We will also forge partnerships with business and commerce to help advance the girls’ education and careers.”

The performing arts centre underpins the fantastic talent that is all around us at St Dominic’s. We have a wealth of gifted pupils in this area and we have outgrown our facilities.

Bursaries and scholarships in a range of subjects will be available for all girls entering the sixth form.

“We are also delighted to say that local groups will also be able to make the most of the facilities.”

The new centre is being funded entirely by school finances but Mrs White stressed that there was also scope for businesses and organisations to get involved in sponsorship, and that on-going fundraising activities at the school could also contribute to the running of the centre.

“This is a fantastic chance to have your company’s name associated with a centre of excellence. We already enjoy a wonderful reputation throughout the country and the sixth form centre will place us even more firmly on the map,” she said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities can contact Mrs White on 01902 850248.

* For more information, please contact Mrs White on 01902 850248.