SIXTH form students can look forward to an even brighter future at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive (HCCS) thanks to a new £3million state-of-the art building.

The school took the opportunity to redevelop its sixth form facilities following the closure of the building due to structural faults in the roof.

Millions of pounds were invested in a complete redesign and on Wednesday, the college finally reopens its doors.

Headteacher Denis Oliver said: “In the past two years, not only have we totally remodelled the previous building but we have also added a very impressive extension. The students were asked about what they wanted and how to describe the new areas.

“Overwhelmingly, they opted for space and so space is what we have given them.”

This ‘space’ comes in three different forms; a bright new cafe styled on the Apple store concept, a large common room aptly named ‘The Social Exchange’, and a quiet and private study area, which has been fitted with £45,000 worth of new computer equipment.

The new sixth form block also boasts new performance studios, which can hold audiences of up to 300, spacious and modern classrooms, and a specialist arts and music centre.

“Our site management team have worked hard during the summer to get our facilities up and running and it’s now down to the teachers and students to get the best from what we have put in place,” added Mr Oliver.

As well as the reopening of the college, HCCS has another reason to celebrate. Last week, planning permission for an on-site all-weather football stadium was granted by Cheshire East.

The new 3G football pitch will be completed by the end of winter and provide a new sports facility for the community as well as the school.

“This is great news for the school and sixth form,” added Mr Oliver. "The final cost will be in excess of £500,000 and coming right on the back of our £3,000,000 Sixth Form re-development shows that the future here is bright and secure.

“I can’t think of a better way to start the new academic year.”