THERE has been a 10 per cent increase in student intake at NEW College as they are lured by state-of-the-art new buildings and a wider range of learning opportunities.

The department which has seen the biggest influx of new students has been the sixth form centre.

Paul Morrey, head of sixth form, believes the college's recent success in exams was also partly the reason.

He said: "It would seem students and parents have been impressed with recent examination results and we're continually getting new applications.

"This year, sixth form students will be housed in their own dedicated buildings, separate enough for us to create our own identity while still close enough to benefit from the other new facilities at the campus.'

It is not only new sixth form students who will be getting used to life at the campus as child care students, who have traditionally attended the Bromsgrove campus, will also be studying in Redditch.

College principal Neil Bromley said; 'We're really pleased both with our increased recruitment and the successful transfer of courses into new accommodation.

"The phased occupation of new and refurbished buildings will continue throughout the autumn term.

"The first parts of the new Archer Building will be occupied in early October when hair and beauty students transfer from Bromsgrove.

"The last groups to transfer will be catering students, who currently study at the Old Library Restaurant which has been a popular venue for years.

Mr Bromley added: "Although the last phase of the project will be the demolition of Z Block in 2005 in order to provide additional parking, students will begin benefiting from our new facilities this month."