SALISBURY’S new sixth form college has been given the formal go-ahead to open in September.

The funding agreement has been signed by Parliamentary Under Secretary for Schools Lord Nash, paving the way for the college to open in its temporary home at Wiltshire College while new purpose-built premises are constructed in Tollgate Road.

Salisbury Sixth Form College has also been given the green light by Ofsted in a pre-opening inspection.

Principal Simon Firth said: “The inspector thought we’d made excellent progress.

“He felt our policies and procedures were robust and fit for purpose. And he went on to say that the inspection was made a great deal easier because we were so well prepared.

“Although our education plan was not part of the inspection, he stated that he was impressed with our curriculum offer and our plans for next year.”

Hundreds of students have already signed up to start at the new college in September and many attended a recent induction day, hosted by Southampton University.

Students were introduced to life at S6C, heard about the enrichment programme and had the opportunity to meet teaching staff.

The college will offer a range of traditional A-level subjects such a maths, humanities, languages and sciences along with newer courses such as media studies, photography and forensic science.

It is hoped the new college will give students more choice in their post-16 education and stop hundreds of Salisbury teenagers from having to travel to colleges in Brockenhurst, Totton, Winchester or Andover every day.