WORK on Commonweal School’s new sixth form centre is nearing completion and it is expected to be open for business in September.

Regular update videos, showing the progress of the build, which started last autumn, have been posted on the school’s YouTube page.

Staff should be able to move into the new building, which is based on a former car park at the Old Town site, next month and prepare for the new academic year.

James Matcham, Commonweal School’s head of sixth form, said: “The progress has been remarkable given that the building work only started in October.

“It is really fantastic to see it coming together and to have the furniture for the centre arrive.

“I think it is a really positive thing to post the videos of the progress as it helps to show what is going on.”

The main building was constructed in Northern Ireland before being shipped over and taken by lorry to its new home.

In total, the sixth form centre will cater for 300 students with 150 starting in September.

Mr Matcham said that the school has received more than 150 applications and they will welcoming some of their prospective students to the site for an induction day on July 15.

He said: “There will be many taster sessions taking place on the day. We will also be informing the students what will be expected of them and the opportunities we offer to help them succeed.

“This site will be of the very best quality for post-16 learners and we believe we have a very good range of courses on offer.”

The centre will have three floors and as well as state-of-the-art classrooms. It will home a cafe, an aquarium and a 300-seater auditorium.

Mr Matcham, who joined Commonwealth School, last September, said: “There’s a lot of excitement among the staff and the pupils looking to move up to the sixth form centre.

“I want to add that this has been a joint effort and everyone has a shared enthusiasm to make the centre a success for the whole of Swindon.”

For more information about the sixth form courses available and to apply for a place, visit www.commonwealsixth.co.uk