A state-of-the-art business centre and new sixth-form building were unveiled to the delight of teachers and pupils in Rochford.

Sir John Bond, chairman of HSBC, one of the school's sponsors, was guest of honour for the opening ceremony at the King Edmund School, Vaughan Close, Rochford.

VIP guest - Sir John Bond met students Claire Chaplin and Katie Garner at the opening Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The hi-tech new business centre boasts six IT rooms with 90 new computers and a number of interactive whiteboards to help students get to grips with the latest skills employers are looking for.

It also has a community room which offers free IT courses to members of the public four times a week.

Sue Nichol, deputy headteacher, said: "The business centre came about as a result of the school being given business and enterprise specialist school status in September 2002.

"It offers huge opportunities to have links with businesses and universities. We have had an exchange with a college in Denmark.

"We want to turn out children who are a cut above others in the working world. Industry has become very computerised and we want to give our children a head start."

Published Monday January 19, 2004

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