Work is underway to create a new sixth form block at a secondary school near Lincoln.

Staff and governors at William Farr School in Welton met the construction team from Lindum Group to mark the start of building work.

Headteacher Jonathan Knowler said the new build would provide study facilities, a recreational area, kitchen, office space and toilets for post 16 students.

“It is much needed and will create a fabulous learning environment for our sixth formers,” said Mr Knowler.

“Our long-term strategic direction has been to further develop the sixth form and broaden our range of courses. I’m delighted to see spades in the ground with a completion date of Spring next year.”

Lindum Group’s BMS division was appointed to complete the single-story building via the Pagabo Medium Works framework.

An artist’s impression of the new Sixth Form block.

The site is located to the west of the existing school within a triangular parcel of land between a footpath, staff car park and existing school buildings.

The dining room in the main building will also be remodelled and extended over the summer holidays by Lindum.

Mr Knowler said: “The work on the dining room, like the sixth form block, is welcome, creating additional capacity and improving the environment for staff and students.”

Both projects will be paid from Section 106 monies from Lincolnshire County Council.

“We’ve developed a strong working partnership with the council, and I’d like to thank it for its support which has enabled these two projects to go ahead,” Mr Knowler said.

The school has been working with Lindum for almost two years to help bring the sixth form block forward. The contractors’ team produced a feasibility report in line with the budget and appointed Kier Design to draw up plans. Lindum then took the scheme through planning and pre-construction stages.

The area on which the new sixth form block is taking shape

Lindum Co-Chair Edward Chambers said: “Lindum has vast experience working in the education sector, across primary and secondary schools and well as within colleges and universities.

“It was great to be on site to mark the start of this project and I look forward to seeing it progress over the coming months.

“We employ many past students from William Farr, and the school site is close to Lindum Homes’ Hawks Chase development, where we’re building new market sale houses.

“As a local contractor, we are really pleased to be playing a role in provide the infrastructure needed to support this growing village.”

As part of the project, the existing space currently assigned to the sixth form within the main building will be utilised for students in Years 7 to 11.

Matthew Clayton, Interim Head of Capital Reform & Education Sufficiency, Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council said it wanted to see all young people get a good start in life.

“These improvements will benefit both current pupils and those of the future, creating new spaces to ensure the school can continue to serve the local community,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing the project progress over the coming months.”