WORK has started on a £3m extension which is set to double student numbers at a North-East sixth form.

Demand for places at MC6 – the purpose-built Sixth Form Centre at Middlesbrough College – has increased by 33pc in the last year.

The extension will help increase the college’s offer of A Levels and allow a further 500 students to take up places.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive, said: “This new build means the college can increase the number of A Levels on offer, accommodate more students at MC6 and the sports academies, and further boost the already fantastic facilities on offer at Middlesbrough College.

“We’ve seen a remarkable increase in the number of applications and this extension shows the level of commitment the college has in delivering first class A Levels courses for students from across the Tees Valley.

“The College is determined to do everything in its power to play a key role in generating jobs, opportunities and prosperity.”

The work is being carried out by North-East design and build specialists, Surgo Construction.

Jeff Alexander, director at Surgo Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with Middlesbrough College on the construction of its new Sixth Form facility. We look forward to delivering a first class building, which will support the College as it continues to meet the growth in demand for places.” The project is due for completion in August 2014.

The extension at MC6 is part of a £20m investment at Middlesbrough College which also includes: *Creation of a £12m STEM Centre, due to open in 2015, providing training in advanced manufacturing, process, engineering disciplines, digital, warehousing and logistics. This will enable the College to enrol more full-time students, retrain unemployed, increase apprenticeships and traineeships *£3.5m investment in the main College building to recover void spaces which will accommodate the rapid demand for Engineering, Health and Social Care as well as create a sustainable construction yard, secure cycle store and open access virtual learning area. This investment will enable a growth of 300 full-time students and an improved learning environment for all students *A £1.5m eco house, community garden and sustainable heart to promote low carbon living and a new student drop off area For more information about courses visit www.mbro.ac.uk or call 01642 333700.