Sheffield Sixth Form: Burngreave's first ever A-Levels college opening in September 2023

Astrea Academy Sheffield Sixth Form will open its doors in the new school year with a hope to give Steel City students a path to top-level universities. It aims to use smaller classroom size to give pupils more one-on-one support and “guarantee disruption free learning”, in the walls of a “state of the art” provision.

Burngreave frequently ranks as one of the most deprived in Sheffield and even in England, where community groups have been working for years to combat discrimination, poverty, high unemployment rates and issues such as knife crime.

The purpose-built college on the grounds of Astrea Academy Sheffield, on Andover Street, is inviting parents and prospective pupils to its first open event today (November 3) with the motto: “Don’t be afraid to aim high”.

A second info day is also being held on November 8. Visit the academy’s website for more details.

Gemma Driver, head of Astrea Academy Sheffield Sixth Form, said: “Here we pride ourselves on a relentless commitment to excellence, every day. In joining us, students will be taught by inspiring teachers who are experts in their subjects and have a total commitment to ensuring they receive the support they need and deserve to succeed.

“At Astrea, our defining quality is our appreciation of hard work and tenacity. We make no apologies for our high expectations because in meeting these our scholars will set themselves apart, ready to apply to competitive and prestigious destinations nationally and beyond.”

Astrea Academy Trust is a family of 26 schools across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, with six in Sheffield. The academy on Andover Street has not yet received a full inspection by Ofsted.

Rowena Hackwood, CEO at Astrea Academy Trust, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Astrea Academy Sheffield, the city, and the young people it serves. By joining us at Astrea, these young people will be given the opportunity to learn, thrive and lead successful lives.”

It’s not the only new sixth-form provision Sheffield will see in the new year, after Mercia School also pledged to open a new college in 2023.