THE new Luton Sixth Form College was officially opened by ex-student Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys on Wednesday (March 9).
After six years, the £56 million campus was completed on time and within budget.
Past and present students, staff and governors gathered to watch the unveiling of the commemorative plaque by Sir Alec who spoke fondly of his memories of the sixth form.
Guest of honour Sir Alec said: “There is a real tremor of sadness to see the old building disappear that played such a crucial part in my life but it was no longer fit for purpose. This new building is wonderful and will serve the young well in this most important part of their education.”
Over half of the sixteen to eighteen year olds in Luton attend the college, the oldest in England, which developed from the 1938 Luton Grammar School for Boys.
Sir Alec was in the first cohort of students in 1966 and sat his science A Levels at the college before gaining a first class honours Biochemistry degree from Oxford.
He developed genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling, transforming science.
Principal Simon Kitchener said: “This is an historic day for the college.
“The fantastic new campus will enable students to learn in a brilliant environment with modern facilities that enhance and improve their study.
“To see this project realised means our dreams really have come true.”
Vice Chair of Governors and MP for Luton North, Kelvin Hopkins, also attended the ceremony and spoke of his pride for Luton College, where his children took their A Levels.
MP Hopkins said: “The college is a great force of community cohesion in this town. Students from isolated communities come here to mix with each other and learn about each other. They are Luton in Harmony.”