Work on five new sixth form blocks at schools across the borough started this week.

Waldegrave Academy began work at the start of the autumn term and during this week’s half term, construction workers arrived on site at Christ’s, Grey Court, Orleans Park and Teddington academies.

The work will create five new dedicated sixth form buildings, which will open to students for the first time in September 2014.

The developments vary from school to school but will include new seminar rooms, specialist science labs, classrooms, digital learning resources, libraries and areas for student led study groups.

Councillor Paul Hodgins, cabinet member for schools, said: “We have always supported sixth forms being established within the borough to continue to attract the very best teachers, sustain high standards and increase choice and diversity for all our young people.

“I am extremely pleased that these works have started. I’d like to thank each of our schools for all the hard work they’ve put in, working together with the council, to get to this point.”

Last year Twickenham Academy, which is run by the Learning Schools Trust, opened its sixth form that now boasts 120 pupils across both year groups.

Hampton Academy opened its sixth form last month.