A NEW look sixth form has opened at Knutsford Academy.

State-of-the art modern facilities have been created where students can learn, study and socialise.

The refurbishment includes a new 80-seat study area with a suite of PCs and additional desks for students who bring their own device to school such as a laptop or tablet.

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The existing common room has been expanded to include raised bench seating, an upgraded kitchen servery and tables to accommodate more than 100 students.

Knutsford Guardian: The sixth form council helped to design the modern new facilitiesThe sixth form council helped to design the modern new facilities (Image: Knutsford Academy)

The refurbishment, which started in the summer holidays, took just 15 weeks to complete, causing minimal disruption to staff and students.

Students were consulted throughout the design process which included splitting the study area into a ‘silent zone’, where pupils can work on their own and a ‘quiet zone’ where students can support each other in project work.

Excited sixth formers have welcomed the improvements.

One student said: "It is wonderful to have our own space in a brand new sixth form environment.

“The spaces are really bright and beautiful and I will be able to complete my work in peace without any distractions.”

Knutsford Guardian: The new sixth form has a 'silent zone' where students can work on their own and another area where pupils can work on projects together The new sixth form has a 'silent zone' where students can work on their own and another area where pupils can work on projects together (Image: Knutsford Academy)

Another sixth former added: "It is a huge improvement. Studying here will be amazing, especially because of the quiet and silent study spaces.

“ It was all definitely worth the wait."

One other student said: "I really love the new sixth form.

“The space is fresh and inviting and it makes me want to study.

“I am happy to go to a school where they want to invest in what is best for the students.”

Another sixth former said: "I really appreciate having such a wide and professional study space in school because it has provided me with opportunities and space that some of my classmates would not have at home.

“I am very grateful for the hard work and good intentions the school has to provide the best for their students.”

Headteacher James Whittaker said: “We are extremely pleased with the high-quality refurbishment that has taken place.

“I believe that we are providing a university level study facility for our students to use.”