Celebrating the official launch of Sutton Life Centre

The official opening on Tuesday 25 November was full of energy and excitement, students as always played a pivotal role in the event . We welcomed 170 guests from the Department for Education, senior leaders from Sutton Council along with the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Sutton, teachers, parents, local businesses, and representatives from local SEND organisations.

There were tours, inspiring speeches from students, Mason and Kayleigh, OHC Executive Principal, Kelly Phillips, Deputy Mayor or Sutton and London Borough of Sutton Councillor, Rob Beck. Former Carew Academy student, Veirra composed and performed an original rap which raised the roof and OHC students recorded a podcast capturing the day’s highlights and showcasing the voices and reactions of people as they explored the centre – available to download soon. Guests were invited to participate in a large scale collaborative piece of artwork that will be displayed in the library space.

Sutton Life Centre is more than a space, it’s a safe, welcoming place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.  Our students are excited to be in this incredible building because it combines flexible, modern spaces with a professional, adult-focused environment.  Their feedback and ideas played a huge part in shaping the development of the centre, and seeing that come to life is extremely rewarding for our students, it was an opportunity to have their voices heard.

Kelly Philips, Executive Principal of Orchard Hill College, said, “Sutton Life Centre is a place with people in the community at its heart, it’s a place where lives will be transformed, and futures will be built.  When community partnerships come together to create something truly unique, it’s a milestone to celebrate, and Sutton Life Centre is a pioneering development. This collaboration has delivered an innovative space for our students and the local community that reflects shared vision, expertise, and commitment – setting a new standard for post-16 SEND provision and what is possible when we work as one.”

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the official opening.  It was a special day that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students, parents, carers, and community – a day to celebrate. We’re still buzzing from the excitement, and the day was unforgettable thanks to everyone who attended.

For more information about this great collaboration of specialist partnerships (OHC, Sutton Council, Sutton Local Offer and Beans and Bloom café) OHC at Sutton Life Centre – a new chapter for our community – Orchard Hill College