Wirral West MP and Employment Minister, Esther McVey, visits The Sixth Form College

18 November 2013

Wirral’s specialist sixth form college welcomed Wirral West MP and Employment Minister Esther McVey to enjoy a tour of its new facilities.

The Sixth Form College, Birkenhead has invested £3.5million in new buildings, including a unique Learning Support Centre which is assisting a wide range of students with support needs.

Ms McVey was shown around the centre, which has a wide range of facilities specifically to enhance the educational experience of students, including fully-equipped Learning Assistance Base, quiet areas and a sensory room. She was met by a number of students to talk about how they are accessing its innovative support.

Ms McVey also met with Principal Kathryn Podmore who showcased the college’s new School of Arts and Design, Wilfred Owen Humanities Building and science laboratories.

Ms McVey – who was Minister for Disabled People from October 2012 until her promotion to Minister of State for Employment in October this year – is a strong advocate for youth skills and training.

She said: “It was great to meet students who are benefitting from the College’s excellent new Learning Support Centre and finding out how they are being helped with their studies and also within their own personal development.

“I maintain a long-term interest in youth skills and training and particularly assisting young people with barriers to learning, to access the right levels of support.

"Birkenhead Sixth Form College has created a challenging and stimulating environment which clearly nurtures the students and helps them to realise their ambitions.

"The college also does a fantastic job in preparing students for the next step of their lives, whether it is university, Apprenticeships or the world of work.

“They have very positive plans for the future which I am sure will create even more opportunities for students across the Wirral.”

The Learning Support team at The Sixth Form College includes 19 specially trained staff working with students with high support needs such as autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia and dyspraxia, as well as students with mental health, emotional or behavioural problems.

Students are offered one-to-one support inside and outside of the classroom, as well as a ‘listening service’ with a member of staff who is a trained counsellor.

Principal Kathryn Podmore said: “We are delighted that Ms McVey was able to take the time in a hectic schedule to come and see our fantastic new facilities and how we are supporting students to achieve and meet their aspirations.

“We were particularly proud to showcase our Learning Support Centre which is helping students to overcome their barriers to learning.

“These range from high anxiety levels, problems with organisational skills and a lack of concentration, to those needing emotional support or a ‘scribe’ during exams.

"Whatever the challenge they are facing, we have the right facilities, trained staff and the expertise to help them get the best education and A-Level results possible.”