Students at Strode’s College, in Egham, Surrey are set to benefit from a new £3.2 million state-of-the-art teaching block and student centre.  

Construction company Leadbitter has started work on both buildings which will be ready for the start of the next academic year in September 2008.

Under the works programme the old timber framed buildings used for teaching Law, Economics, Maths and English have been demolished. Two new two storey buildings are being erected.

The teaching block will house 16 classrooms which will be fully equipped with modern IT facilities including interactive whiteboards and projectors. Other features include a light and airy atrium and staff work rooms. A range of subjects will be taught in the new building from English and Maths to Psychology, Economics and Philosophy. 

The student centre will incorporate a refectory, careers office and a series of student support services. Funding has been provided from the College’s independent charitable trust, The Strode Foundation, with matched funding from the Learning and Skills Council and the College itself. 

Bob Rendell, MD of Leadbitter, said: "This new development will result in a significantly improved environment for students of the College."

"Leadbitter has extensive experience across the education sector and I have every confidence that Strode’s College will have a first class facility ready for the new academic year."

Frank Botham, Principal of the College, added: "We are thrilled that Leadbitter have started work on site. Once complete this development will provide our students with the best possible learning environment to continue thriving."

"Clearly integrating our students’ services in this manner will provide a really high quality facility for all our students."