Jo Cox Centre Now Open

Heckmondwike Grammar’s new sixth form base, to be named the ‘Jo Cox Centre’ in memory of their former Head Girl, was opened to academy students this week. Providing spacious accommodation alongside food of a very high quality, students are able to socialise downstairs; while upstairs, there are two different work-orientated venues that enable students to have a choice of learning environment depending on preference. The area is heavily equipped with charging points and WiFi to enable full access to all of the facilities needed to be able to both enjoy and engage fully in their studies.

Students’ first impressions of their new social and study space were very positive. Year 13 students Hollie and Lucy remarked on how “having our own space makes us feel more independent and prepares us for what we have to look forward to at university,” while Jack commented on the “great food” and “up to date design”, concluding that the new space is “definitely worth the wait!”.

Ross Oxby, Head of Sixth Form, had this to say: “We are very proud of this addition to our sixth form provision, which gives students the independence and freedom to develop socially and academically in a bespoke post-16 environment, while also retaining all the advantages of our outstanding teaching and facilities in the main school. The students clearly love it and are already making full use of the brand-new facilities and environment.”

While Nathan Bulley, Headteacher, also commented: “We are very fortunate that the DfE saw fit to invest in the outstanding education at Heckmondwike Grammar with over a million pounds of additional capital. This enables us to give our students what they deserve in terms of a purpose-designed venue where they can fully apply themselves in a context appropriate to the level of achievement that we and they aspire to.”

External hire opportunities include full service dining and a conference area able to comfortably accommodate 100 people. The centre is available at evenings and weekends: please contact the school if you are interested in taking advantage of this.