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The city's newest sixth form centre has proved a big hit with a dramatic increase in numbers.
In its first year, 97 teenagers studied in Studio 6 at The Milton Keynes Academy, but already 186 students have enrolled for September 2010, with the number expected to rise to more than 200.
Students will be travelling to the £30m Academy at Leadenhall from all over Milton Keynes to take advantage of its impressive new facilities.
"It's brilliant that we will double our numbers from the first year," said Head of Studio 6 Sarah Forster, "Young people know that they have to do so much more to succeed in today's harsh economic climate, so an increasing number are continuing their studies rather than leaving school at 16.
Miss Forster believes that the competitiveness for university and work places means a high number of the students will also opt to re-take GCSE Maths and English GCSEs alongside their sixth form studies to ensure grades are as high as they can be.
The most popular A-level choices for Academy sixth form entrants this September are Psychology, English and Sociology, while BTEC Forensic Science and the Creative and Media Diploma and the Business, Admin and Finance Diploma are the most popular vocational courses.
Miss Forster believes that new initiatives introduced for Studio 6 students have helped its popularity. "We do things differently here, such as giving students the chance to say how things are run.
"We also reward students with shopping and cinema vouchers, they have help from full-time teaching assistants and we give them extra lessons aimed at increasing their employability."
For more details about Studio 6 call Monika O'Neill on MK 341791. Studio 6 will be open on GCSE results day on 24 August from 1-4pm.
Press information: For information, images and to arrange interviews about the new Academy please contact Julie Wilson at Planet PR on 0845 603 8082 julie@planetco.co.uk
