Warwick Academy opened its newly renovated sixth-form centre this afternoon, named in honour of former principal Maggie McCorkell.

An extension to Barber Hall, the McCorkell Commons were unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5.30pm.

The building boasts a wealth of features including a social area, a kitchen, lockers, a computer room and a study area.

Principal Dave Horan praised the speed at which the project was completed, after reaching $860,000 via a school fundraising campaign.

“This time last year, the expansion and renovation was just an idea; 11 months later it is open for business,” he said.

“This is testament to a very large number of wonderful people who set their minds on this task and achieved it.”

Colin Smith, chair of the board of governors, called the opening of the new sixth-form centre “another significant milestone in our school's history”.

He also praised the vision of Ms McCorkell, who retired in June after 27 years at Warwick Academy and implemented its International Baccalaureate programme in 1999.

“We are proud to have delivered on this next phase of her vision,” Mr Smith said.

“This accomplishment is not all about bricks and mortar, but about demonstrating to our young people that we value their success.

“We are continuously committed to giving them the tools to build their skills and their character.”