Local academy trusts launch new sixth form at Ely College and Soham Village College

Two local academy trusts have joined forces to launch a new sixth form in East Cambridgeshire which will open next year.

Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust, sponsors of Ely College, and Staploe Education Trust, sponsors of Soham Village College, have launched Bishop Laney Sixth Form – named after the Bishop who left his inheritance to residents of Ely and Soham in the 17th century.

Bishop Laney Sixth Form will offer professional courses and will be based predominantly at Ely College but with classes at the Soham Village College site.

Richard Spencer, Principal of Ely College, said: “Our vision for Bishop Laney Sixth Form is to provide a thriving centre of academic and vocational excellence for the residents of Ely, Soham and the wider area. Bishop Laney’s academic and ecclesiastic legacy is significant locally, and his commitment to the importance of education and training is timeless.”

“We are starting small and focused this year, but our ambitions are great and our offer will continue to grow for years to come. We look forward to meeting with many students and their parents in the coming weeks to share our vision with them.”

Dr Carin Taylor, Executive Head of Staploe Education Trust and Principal at Soham Village College, said: “For some years, it has been clear that many of our young people would benefit from studying in a vibrant sixth form closer to home. Soham Village College is delighted to be working in partnership with Ely College to ensure that there is excellent provision on offer in our community.

Bishop Laney Sixth Form will be officially opened in September 2017, but applications are being accepted now.

An introductory open evening is to take place on Wednesday November 2.