Luton Sixth Form College celebrates 60th anniversary this week
Luton Sixth Form College is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week after opening its doors in 1966 as the first sixth form college in the country.
And it has remained a pillar of education in Luton for six decades, with tens of thousands of young people passing through its doors.
The 60th anniversary will be marked with a special celebration at the college tomorrow (September 3).
A spokesperson for the college said: “Since opening in 1966 as the country’s first sixth form college, we have remained rooted in Luton while continually evolving to meet the needs and ambitions of its young people.
“Our greatest legacy is the generations of young people whose lives have been shaped by the opportunities they found here – and the contribution they have subsequently made to Luton and beyond.”
Among the college’s notable former students is Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, the geneticist who pioneered genetic fingerprinting, while alumni also include Rachel Hopkins MP, who represents Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
The college said its former students have gone on to work in medicine, education, business, law, science, technology, the creative industries and public service.
Previous principals, members of the governing body, MPs and the Lord Lieutenant are among those expected to attend the event.
The college has also introduced a special 60th anniversary logo and merchandise to mark the occasion.
Reflecting on the milestone, the college said the anniversary was “not only a celebration of our history, but also of our enduring mission: to raise aspirations, widen opportunity and help every student fulfil their potential.”