Topping out milestone reached at Bohunt Wokingham Sixth

Building work at Bohunt Wokingham Sixth (BW6) in Arborfield reached an important milestone last week.

Bohunt Wokingham School’s headteacher, staff and students along with the Bohunt Education Trust, contractors from Francis Construction and executive member for children’s services Cllr Prue Bray celebrated the milestone with a traditional topping out ceremony on 26 February. 

Contractors are nearing completion of the exteriors and roof, marking major progress since last summer when ground-breaking work commenced. 

BW6 is jointly funded by Wokingham Borough Council and the Bohunt Education Trust, with 300 additional places being created by the project. 

The project improves educational opportunities in the rural south of Wokingham Borough, which currently lacks a sixth form.

Executive member for children’s services, and deputy leader of the council, Cllr Prue Bray said: “Today has been a proud moment for everyone who has worked incredibly hard on this project. The new sixth form is really starting to take shape and it’s great to see how far the building has come since the last progress update in autumn.

“BW6 is a much-needed facility which will benefit many students, providing them with opportunities to thrive whilst broadening post-16 opportunities for young people. I can’t wait for Bohunt Wokingham Sixth to open.”

Bohunt Wokingham Headteacher Jen Comber said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter in the opening of BW6. We have been delighted by the number of applications we have received for September showing the confidence families have in us.

“Students, staff and the community are now looking ahead to the official autumn opening, when we will welcome our first cohort of game-changers. The launch of our sixth form will enable more young people to continue their post-16 education locally and take their next steps towards university, apprenticeships and employment - all within their own community."

Bohunt Education Trust Leader, Neil Strowger, said: “BW6 is about much more than a new building; it’s about creating opportunity. This milestone brings us closer to delivering an inspiring sixth form where young people are supported to realise their ambitions - and leave ready to shape their future and contribute positively to the world around them.” 

Upcoming works for the next couple of months include the installation of walls, doors, flooring and services, before completion of external works and services systems. The project is due to complete this summer. 

The new sixth form remains on track to open this September and students continue to see progress on-site during their school day.