THE opening of a new boarding house will mean that more sixth-formers can attend Ellesmere College.

The college has officially opened its second sixth form boarding house for girls, allowing for many more day students and 26 new boarders.

The house, which has been named St Hilda's, has been converted from an existing building at the college after an increase in demand for places.

Ellesmere College had previously only had one senior girls' boarding house – St Oswald's – and with two houses for senior boys, there will now be four in total.

Headmaster Brendan Wignall is delighted with the expansion of the sixth form facilities and said that it was a 'significant development in the history of Ellesmere College'.

He said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of St Hilda’s and to have welcomed our first students into this new residence.

"It will be a great asset to us and be of major benefit to our girls at what is an extremely important time in their education, providing them with the best surroundings to enhance their educational, personal and social development.

“Demand has always been high for boarding places at the college and this was the ideal moment to make the move and increase our capacity.

"It will also benefit our day students through further individual study areas, meaning all our sixth form pupils can continue to have personal study space.”

Dr Tom Gareh, head of sixth form, added: “This is an exciting development for the college and we were proud to show off St Hilda’s at the opening ceremony as we embark on a new academic year.

“We have flexible boarding options in place at Ellesmere College for both weekly and full boarders, providing parents with a range of options.

"Parents also have the reassurance of knowing we have successful criteria already in place for study, a full agenda of weekend activities and a broad range of co-curricular activities including music, art, sport and drama.”

To find out more, call 01691 622321 or visit www.ellesmere.com