AN AMBITIOUS project has been launched to create a new sixth form centre for Selworthy School.

The Willmott Dixon team is working on the new Hazelbrook Campus, but through donations of time and resources, the nearby run-down building will be transformed into a new centre.

Rob Woolcock, director of Willmott Dixon said: “We have a commitment to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the local communities in which we work.

"This is through the buildings that we build, but also through the additional social value projects that we undertake.

"Quite simply, we believe that we have a purpose beyond profit.

“We have the opportunity to deliver something that has the ability to change peoples’ lives.

"This is about giving something back to the community and it is great to see so many of our supply chain and goods partners working with us to deliver this great new learning environment for the community.”

The new centre will create around 100 new school places.

Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for education, Faye Purbrick, said: “This development sees the creation of a fantastic new sixth form centre at Selworthy which will help prepare students for employment and living independently.

“It complements the development of the new £9million Hazelbrook Campus at the school which creates up to another 100 places for pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

“We are committed to ensuring children and young people in Somerset have the educational opportunities they need close to their homes and communities”

The new sixth form centre will include a common room, changing places WC, two classrooms, a flat, and café.