A new sixth form has been opened on the border of Enfield and Barnet.

Ashmole Academy, based in Cecil Road, Southgate, has officially opened its new sixth form centre.

Costing £1.6million to develop, the centre was opened by Master of New College of the Humanities, Professor AC Grayling.

More than 130 people attended the official launch and head teacher Derrick Brown was delighted to welcome Professor Grayling to open the centre.

He said: “We are pleased to welcome Professor Grayling to open the new centre. We feel that our students will greatly benefit from state of the art modern facilities – encouraging the students to remain on site, even during down time, is also a reflection of our commitment to their safety and wellbeing.”

Prof Grayling said: “I am delighted to be opening the new sixth form centre. This builds on our long-term relationship with the school.”

The Southgate academy recently saw its application to build a new primary school within its grounds rejected by the department of education.

The academy will take its first batch of sixth form pupils next summer.