Staff, students, school governors, well-wishers and donors gathered at Aldenham School on Friday, to mark the official opening of the school’s new sixth form block, The Wells Centre.

The new building, on the site of the old sixth form common room and school shop, is linked to the school’s music block through a major extension.

A key feature of the new building is a green oak frame which unifies the older existing and new modern structures, while a glass roof with integral solar panels sets off an upstairs foyer area.

Students will benefit from new classrooms and the whole school and wider community will enjoy meetings in the Apthorp Room as well as concerts in the Recital Room. 

John Wells, a former chairman of governors and past master of the worshipful company of Brewers, after whom the building is named, officially opened the new block on Friday by unveiling a plaque and cutting a yellow ribbon to commemorate the occasion.

Guests, including former pupils John and Brian Apthorp, joined the many donors, well wishers, school governors, staff and students for the ceremony, a tour of the new facilities by senior students, a music recital and a drinks reception.

James Fowler, headmaster, said: "The opening of any new educational facility should be a moment for great rejoicing, but to be opening this magnificent building which allows the learning and experience of pupils to develop in such a variety of ways is a particular pleasure.

"I am delighted this major development in the school will support not only our sixth form students, but also further enhance the considerable music facilities for our talented musicians at Aldenham.

"This follows a number of recent developments including a new classroom block for English and modern languages, a theatre development and boarding house upgrades as well as new kitchen and servery facilities for all pupils.

"These advances leave the school very well equipped to provide for greater opportunities for our boys and girls from three to 18 years on the same site."