Oliver, 12, of Jill Dando’s old school along with Olivia, the first ever news reporter, with (back left) Cabinet Minister back left James Heappey, (far right) Nigel Dando, with (front left) Nathan Jenkins CEO of The Priory Learning Trust and, (middle) Principal Dan Milford and (back right) Doug Radnidge Head of Sixth Form
News Somerset

MP opens new incredible £250,000 expansion to a thriving Sixth Form and its Jill Dando News Centre

March 8, 2023
JDNC WCSA

By Oliver Masley, 12, Jill Dando News

An MP has officially opened an incredible new quarter-of-a-million-pound expansion to a thriving sixth form that has doubled its numbers in just a few years.

James Heappey, MP of Wells and Minister of State for the Armed Forces, opened the multi-room extension to ever popular The King Alfred School Academy’s Sixth Form.

He also officially opened the sixth form’s Jill Dando News Centre – the first Sixth Form in the UK to have such a centre.

Students between the ages of 9 and 18 from Jill Dando News centres across The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT) attended and Mr Heappey unveiled a plaque to signify the official opening. 

The extension has a fabulous restaurant area and coffee bar, a new lounge area, classrooms and independent study area.

The sixth form has been so successful that it has attracted an ever-expanding number of students from the local area, as well as Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater and even Italy, Germany and Switzerland.

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James Heappey said: “It is fantastic to see the Sixth Form at King Alfred School Academy so popular that the building needed to be extended. 

“I remember so well meetings where closure was a real possibility. I may have made clear how against that I was, but the leadership at the school did such amazing work to make it such a brilliant option for students around Burnham and Highbridge.”

Principal Dan Milford said: “Everyone is thrilled with these expanding facilities. There is a big buzz around the whole school and we continue to make things even better.

“There is now a dedicated study place and a social space, as well as a place for the Jill Dando News Sixth Form centre.”

MORE: https://goodnewspost.co.uk/jill-dando-news-arrives-in-malawi-africa/

Nathan Jenkins, CEO of TPLT, said: “To see the expansion of the Sixth Form is really incredible. 

“It is a really strong Sixth Form giving huge options to students to access the best universities, apprenticeships and jobs.”

Olivia Finch, one of the founding members of the Jill Dando News Centre, joined the Sixth Form from Worle Community School Academy. She said: “Everyone is supportive of each other at this Sixth Form and of our aspirations.”

Nigel Dando attended the event alongside dozens of reporters from Jill Dando News. The scheme now has over 100 reporters across Somerset with some in Malawi and even in Africa. Nigel and other professional journalists help to train the reporters who are aged 8 to 18.

To see more stories from Jill Dando News visit: http://www.goodnewspost.co.uk

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