A world-renowned construction sector firm is behind the opening today of the JCB Academy in Staffordshire.

The innovative facility is to be officially opened by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The first 170 students, from Staffordshire and Derbyshire, began studying at the £22m academy in Rocester last September where the core focus is on engineering with pupils, aged 14 to 19, also studying maths, English, science and German.


The international digger business, JCB has part funded the new school, with the rest of the money coming from the Department of Education.

Today, the couple will tour the Grade II listed Arkwright Mill, provided by JCB, meet staff and students and unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the facility.

The digger firm said it eventually hoped to teach 540 students from Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

The building has been equipped with more than £1m worth of modern engineering equipment, JCB said.

Sir Anthony Bamford, JCB Chairman, said: "The JCB Academy is the first of its kind in the UK and it is already enjoying great success.

JCB contributed 10% of the capital and donated the mill, which dates back to 1871, in which it is based, a spokesman said.

(BMcC/GK)