Sixth Form Centre: New Designs Unveiled
Sixth Form Centre: New Designs Unveiled
Fearless Futures start with making connections for life.
Sixth Form is about far more than just getting top grades, it’s a crucial time for building the confidence, character and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Sixth Form life is about working hard and playing hard. All spaces in our new Sixth Form Centre have been conceived as forward-thinking, open and aspirational learning and social environments, designed to mirror the expectations, independence and intellectual culture of a university setting.
Design work is ongoing, with many exciting spaces and concepts still in development. The new elements unveiled today include a Debating Chamber, a quiet study area, and a range of learning pods for group and independent study, as well as a welcoming onsite café for relaxation, discussions, laughter and friendship.
"The final spatial design is really very exciting – there are so many varied and useful spaces where the girls will be able to learn and collaborate in different ways.
"I have no doubt that the final plans for the building will evoke the ‘awe and wonder’ for staff and students that we had aspired to achieve – as well as the much-discussed café, the building will boast study pods, small group rooms, a virtual-reality suite and a debating chamber as well as office accommodation for Sixth Form, Professional Guidance and International Baccalaureate staff."
Mr Matt Peplow, Head of Property Services
It has been so inspiring to watch our vision become ever closer to a reality; a new, forward-thinking reality which will transform the Sixth Form experience for decades of students to come.
Dr Victoria Sherwood, Head of Sixth Form
Debating Chamber
A defining feature of the Centre is the development of a large open chamber, designed as a university-style seminar and lecture space. This highly versatile environment will lend itself to many of the activities CLC has to offer in a more purpose built space:
Seminar-style discussion and Socratic learning
Debating and Model United Nations
Forum 42 lectures and visiting speakers
Pupil-led talks and panels
Bespoke masterclasses from visiting academics
The chamber is intentionally designed to be highly functional, enabling pupils to practise articulating ideas, questioning confidently, and engaging with complex concepts in a mature academic setting. It will act as a bridge between school and Higher Education. The overall design of the Sixth Form Centre will support aspiration and readiness, empowering pupils not only academically, but in their transition to university life, professional environments and leadership beyond school, embedding the skills, behaviours and mindset required for success as they enter adulthood.
"There is particular excitement building around the development of the Debate Chamber, which will be an ideal space for developing public speaking and oracy skills, for honing business style pitches and academically rigorous discussions, for hosting mock Law trials and for developing collaborative scientific discussions, for example."
Dr Victoria Sherwood, Head of Sixth Form
Study Spaces and Pods
At the heart of the design is a commitment to flexible learning spaces, developed in consultation with pupils to reflect how they want to use the building. This pupil-centred approach ensures the Centre supports a range of learning styles, from independent study and reflection to collaboration and leadership, while fostering a sense of ownership and maturity.
The layout incorporates a carefully balanced mixture of open-plan areas, quiet pods, and formal boardroom-style spaces, creating a spectrum of learning zones that respond to different academic needs and modes of working. Open areas encourage dialogue, peer learning and intellectual exchange, while quiet pods provide calm, focused environments for independent study and academic consolidation. Boardroom spaces support structured discussion, small-group teaching, leadership meetings and presentation-based learning, reflecting professional and university-level expectations.
"We have ensured the academic and learning needs of the students are placed to the fore, with study pods and collaborative learning spaces, but also integrated staff presence in the learning areas, so that the Sixth Form team and learning support teams can provide individualised support for all students in these key years, which bridge the gap between the support and structure of school and the opportunities and freedom of university."
Dr Victoria Sherwood, Head of Sixth Form
Café and Social Spaces
The new Centre is designed to support CLC's holistic approach to fostering emotional, creative, and spiritual growth beyond academic learning.
A welcoming café area, along with other shared social spaces, bleachers, and comfortable common rooms, will foster community, encourage informal discussion, and help build deep friendships. Inviting social spaces, including outdoor areas, will provide opportunities for conversation and reflection, and promote relaxation and wellbeing.
For our existing students, the anticipation seems very much focussed around the designs for the coffee shop! I definitely share this excitement, not just for the proper coffee and, watch this space, barista training for our SFC students looking for training for summer or gap year jobs after CLC - but also for the opportunities for fruitful and individualised conversations, between students, and also between staff and students, particularly our SFC tutor team.
Dr Victoria Sherwood, Head of Sixth Form
The building promotes a clear shift from traditional classroom models towards a blend of informal and formal learning, supporting pupils in developing autonomy, collaboration, and scholarly confidence as they prepare for Higher Education and the world of work.
Dr David Gamblin, Vice Principal Academic
To find out more about our new Sixth Form Centre, book a place on an upcoming open day or sign up for our newsletter for more updates throughout the project.
*Please note: Images are AI generated impressions and designs may be subject to change.
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