STUDENTS, parents and teachers have been given their first look inside the new �25m Lowestoft Sixth Form College – and they were impressed with what they saw.

Wearing hard hats and safety glasses, groups were taken on a tour of the building where six work areas known as pods appear to float above the main atrium.

One parent described the architecture as 'absolutely amazing'.

More than 400 students have so far accepted places for year 12 – formerly the lower sixth – with others transferring to year 13 – formerly the upper sixth – from their present sixth forms when the college opens in early September.

With 8,027sq m of learning space, the college will eventually accommodate more than 1,000 students.

Speaking after Saturday's tours, college principal Yolanda Botham said: 'I'm pleased so many people were able to join us on these tours to see the terrific facilities taking shape.

'Construction was held up because of the bad weather in December but the long, dry spring enabled the contractors, Morgan Sindall, to catch up and we're now right on target again.

'We've appointed all our new teachers, some of whom are moving from as far afield as Gloucester, Sheffield and Bexhill, and a number of others will transfer from the three Lowestoft high schools. Everything is coming together well, and there's a great deal of excitement now that we're so close to opening.'

The excitement was shared by many of those on the open day tours.

'It's a really modern building, and I love the pods,' said Holly Beale, 19, from Great Yarmouth, who is transferring from City College Norwich to study for A-levels in English, media studies and politics.

'It's not just the building: the teachers seem very down to earth and you feel like they're people you can get on with.'

Holly's mother Suzan added: 'It's an incredible, state-of-the building. It's so good to see this kind of investment in education in our area.'

Sociology teacher Donna Dodson, who works now at Benjamin Britten High, said: 'Those pods are really interesting, and the facilities generally are brilliant, with lots of investment in ICT.

'It has the feel of a university.'

Phil Spencer, who has taught at Kirkley High for 23 years, said: 'The facilities here are truly aspirational and will give students in our high schools something fantastic to aim for. It's going to be an amazing place to work.'

Students or parents can find out more and apply by calling 01502 537000, emailing info@l6fc.org or visiting www.l6fc.org