THE first sixth form at a Plymouth school began its new life yesterday.

Sixty new sixth-formers started off their academic year at Sir John Hunt Community College, at the Wood View Learning Community Campus in Whitleigh.

Yesterday was an 'open day' as the 16-year-olds settled into their new Sixth Form Centre at the school. Lessons will begin next week.

Sir John Hunt is the last secondary school in Plymouth to have a sixth form and offer post-16 classes.

Julie Bevan, the new 14 to 19 assistant principal, said the sixth-formers are studying vocational courses including public services, beauty, mechanics and sports — many at BTEC Level 3.

She said that work experience would feature in courses and there would be some AS-level courses. However, full A levels would not be introduced until next year. She also said there would be a free driving course.

Ms Bevan said: "This gives more opportunities for young people in this part of the city to be involved in higher education.

"It's the young people's right that they can stay at school in the sixth form.

"It's the end of the journey for the school to get a sixth form — but now it's a new beginning. And for the rest of the school, they now have role models to look up to, thus raising aspirations."

Schools in the city are starting the new academic year next week. Some pupils started last week.

Years 7, 10 and 12 at Sir John Hunt began yesterday, with the rest returning next week.

But focus has been on the new sixth form.

Leah Martin, 16, from Tamerton Foliot, will study a health and social BTEC Level 2.

She said: "If it wasn't for this I would probably be at home doing nothing or I would be at a different sixth form — but that would have been harder because I would have had to pay for buses."

Jade Blayney, 16, from Southway, will do an NVQ in beauty. She said: "It is better than going to college, which is harder to get to."

James Quayle, 16, from West Park, will do a BTEC Level 3 in public services. He said: "It was a bit upsetting that there was no sixth form but it's brilliant that we now have one."

Wendy Brett, head teacher, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome our first sixth formers to the school.

"Words can't describe how proud I am in what we have achieved."