Solihull School is planning to transform education for its sixth form pupils after winning planning permission for a new £4.5 million facility.

The centre will be built at the heart of the School in Warwick Road.

Staff at the school said the centre would enable it to reinforce its standing as one of the Midlands’ leading independent educators.

Construction work will begin in July next year at the 453-year-old school, which educates boys and girls aged between seven and 18 years.

The building will open in September 2015 and facilities will include teaching rooms and private study areas incorporating the latest multimedia technology.

The top floor will provide multi-purpose open-plan space for teaching, examinations and social events and an external terrace garden with panoramic views for the use of pupils and teachers alike.

Designed by Birmingham-based architects Malcolm Payne Group Ltd, the sustainable building will include high levels of natural light and ventilation, as well as low energy lighting and an energy efficient heating system to minimise its impact on the environment.

The new centre will be built on vacant land previously occupied by the old gymnasium and surrounded by the Bushell Hall, mathematics and science departments and the sports hall.

Head teacher David Lloyd said: “Our new sixth form centre will deliver a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment that will enable our sixth form pupils to fulfil their academic potential and prepare for university and beyond.”

Solihull School, which was founded in 1560 and has occupied its current site since 1882, has invested in a range of new facilities over the past ten years including the David Turnbull Music School, the George Hill Building containing new classrooms and the Alan Lee Pavilion.

This year the school achieved a 100 per cent A-level pass rate for the eighth year running with an impressive 84 per cent of passes graded at A* to B.

Fifty-two pupils gained at least three A* or A grades with three achieving five passes at the top grades. Eleven achieved Oxbridge success and 88 per cent of pupils won places at their chosen universities.

The school is staging a sixth form information evening on November 6 at 7pm and an 11-plus information evening on November 12 also at 7pm. Further information can be obtained by contacting the admissions secretary on 0121-705 4273 (email: enquiries@solsch.org.uk).