AN ADVENTURER came to Swindon yesterday to officially open the new sixth form centre at Commonweal School.

Although students have been using the new building for several weeks, no one had actually cut the ribbon to open the doors so Debra Searle, a solo Atlantic rower, was given the honour.

Serenaded by a brass band playing Fanfare for the Common Man, the students gathered for the opening before making their way to the new lecture theatre to hear stories from their guest.

Debra was invited after she met some of the students, and the headteacher at St James’ Palace when they collected their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

She said: “I have had a look around the building and think it is such an inspiring place for young people to learn.

“It’s good to see the school didn’t just settle for another red brick building but went for this wonderful facility.

“I was really blown away by how involved the students were in designing this and it shows.

“You can tell all the students are really proud of it just from the little things. There is no litter at all because they want to keep the place looking nice.

“It’s a great honour to be asked to come down to open this building and I was happy accept.”

There are around 100 pupils in the first year of the sixth form, the first at Commonweal for almost 30 years.

The new building gives the students state-of-the-art facilities for their studies and has been built alongside a new sports centre. It was first brought into use at the beginning of the academic year last month and has already proved popular with the teenagers.

“You have to remember that back in January this whole area was just a staff car park,” said headteacher Keith Defter.

“It is really exciting to finally be at this point after what seems a very long wait. All the students have really taken to it and you can see their pride.

“We have some pupils from the secondary school having a few lessons and the sixth formers aren’t too happy about it.

“For them it is a great experience.

“They are the only year group who are here so they get full use of the brand new facilities and have the full attention of the staff.”

It is something most students will never get the chance to experience.”