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Professor Marcus du Sautoy and Dr Jonathan Godfrey at the celebration
Sixth Form Colleges Become "Unique Institutions"
4th May 2010
On 1st April, Sixth Form Colleges, as a result of recent legislation, became unique institutions, entirely distinct both from schools and colleges of further education. Jonathan Godfrey, Principal of Hereford Sixth Form College, was one of the guests of honour at a showcase event to celebrate this recognition of Sixth Form Colleges’ exceptional and distinctive contribution to 16-18 education.
The celebration, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, was hosted by academic and broadcaster Marcus du Sautoy, a Sixth Form College alumnus and now Professor of Mathematics and Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science in the University of Oxford. Also present were Sir David Melville, Chair of Lifelong Learning UK and Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University and Les Walton, Chair of the Young People's Learning Agency.
The event was designed around performances and displays that illustrated the breadth of student talent, pastoral life and curriculum which are the hallmarks of a Sixth Form College education.
Professor du Sautoy said, ‘At Sixth Form College in Henley, I was not only able to receive superb teaching and study a wide variety of subjects, but also take part in many extracurricular activities which simply could not have taken place in a school. The atmosphere was great, a half-way house between school and university and I was able to make many new friends, including some staff such as Dr.Godfrey who was one of my teachers.’
Sir David Melville stated, ‘There is no doubt that Sixth Form Colleges are the best providers of Sixth Form Education and I am delighted that Local Authorities will be encouraged to consider creating more across the country.’
Principal, Jonathan Godfrey said, ‘This new designation of Sixth Form Colleges signifies a coming-of-age, a sector-wide recognition of the outstanding work of our Colleges in improving the life opportunities for the thousands of students who pass through Sixth Form College doors every year.”