Strode College welcomed Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, to open its Digital Media and Technology Centre with local MP James Heappey, Minister for the Armed Forces in attendance.
The MPs enjoyed touring the high-tech facilities and meeting the students studying new digital and education T Levels. 
Strode College is not only one of the first providers of new T Levels – marking a revolution in technical education – but was also successful in a bid for £1m funding from the T Level capital fund.
The money has enabled the college to transform an old, dark and inefficient 1960s building into a bright, modern and airy specialist centre for digital media and technology.
The college now has the following newly refurbished, clean and bright classrooms and additional facilities:
Gillian Keegan said: “It was fantastic to visit Strode College to open their new Digital Media and Technology Centre with local MP James Heappey. The high-tech facilities were brilliant and it was great to meet the pioneering T Level students. The students had lots of enthusiasm for how these T Level qualifications will take them to the next level in their chosen careers.”
James Heappey said: “It was great to be back at Strode College with my colleague from the Department for Education, Gillian Keegan, to open the brand new Digital Media and Technology Centre. I am so impressed with this fantastic facility and great to be able to show Gillian the excellent work ongoing in Somerset.”
Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO, said: “I am incredibly proud of what the staff and students at Strode have achieved. The official opening of our new T level facilities is a key milestone in the launch of these new, high quality technical qualifications.
“We are delighted to have had such a successful start to our T level journey, which will continue to be rolled out over the coming years. Strode College has a long, established reputation for outstanding academic provision; we must also ensure young people have access to the highest quality technical education too.
“It’s important that our courses prepare students for employment, leading into strong careers, as well as courses which provide excellent routes into university. Our offer of A levels and vocational and technical courses mean our students have that choice.”
The official opening can be watched online: https://youtu.be/Edvnv5qZ6sQ
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