A NEW sixth-form centre for students with special educational needs opened in Bridgwater this week.

Elmwood and Penrose School Federation’s Jean Rees Centre provides a new base for students over the age of 16 who have special needs.

The former Chilton Trinity School maths block has been transformed into a building which caters to every need of students and staff.

Head teacher Liz Hayward said: “Just three years ago our sixth form was squashed in to a portable classroom on the playground of Penrose School.

“The Jean Rees Centre has been named after one of the founders of Bridgwater Arts Centre, and 2014 marks the centenary of her birth.

“We are proud and delighted to bear the name of such an innovative and creative spirit.”

The new building features a new common room, large kitchen, spacious garden complete with vegetable patch and a new sensory room.

The building is also kitted out with all the specialist equipment needed to cater to the students’ needs.

Jenny Sharman, the daughter of Jean Rees, was invited to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony last Thursday.

Jenny also presented one of her mother’s paintings to the centre.

Mrs Hayward said: “I have always been so proud of the staff and students – they achieve remarkable things every single day and as a result change lives.

“In order to get to this wonderful centre our staff and students have had to pack up all of their belongings every year for the past three years and more.

“Throughout this they have stayed positive, cheerful and endlessly excited about the project – knowing that this would give us our best chance of belonging to the community which we are all so proud of.”