Strode College is Street to build a range of new student facilities, including a laboratory and mock hospital ward, with a £650,000 grant from the Government's T Level Capital Fund.

The grant will allow development of industry standard facilities for Strode's T Level Health and Science students.

T Level Health students will benefit from a new state-of-the-art mock hospital ward complete with birthing room, nursing station and dispensary.

The real-life environment will allow students to gain a greater understanding of the behaviours, facilities and procedures used in modern healthcare settings.

For T Level Science students, a new, purpose-built laboratory will allow them to start developing their laboratory skills.

Set up as professional laboratory rather than a classroom, students will have the opportunity to build practical and employability skills relevant for roles such as a laboratory technician or food technician.

Katy Quinn, Strode College principal and CEO, said: "I'm thrilled that Strode College is receiving an additional £650,000 of funding from the T Level Capital Fund.

"This will allow us to continue expanding our top-class facilities and experiences for our T Level students.

"These industry standard learning environments and high-quality industrial placements will help bring the classroom learning to life."

An initial £1 million grant from the T Level Capital Fund in 2020 supported the development of new state-of-the-art radio and TV studios, a mixing suite, IT studios and childcare learning facilities.

Street's MP, James Heappey, said: "Strode College is really leading the way with regards to the delivery of T Levels and this funding for a hospital ward and an additional science lab will provide a host of options for my constituents.

"The college has worked so hard to broaden its offering and I am delighted to see the Department for Education recognise their fantastic work. I look forward to following the progress of this exciting project."

Designed in conjunction with businesses, the new T Level qualifications provide a great opportunity for young people to build real employability and workplace skills. Strode's new Health and Science T Levels will launch in September.