STUDENTS with a taste for technology can feast on the latest computer equipment with the opening of a £1.2m city learning centre.

Plans for the centre, attached to St Matthew’s RC High School, Moston, include three IT rooms, a seminar room and even a cyber cafe.

There will be 120 computers and video conferencing resources.

The centre — funded by the Department for Education and Skills — will serve youngsters from 26 schools in the north Manchester area. But it will also be open to the public.

Brian McNulty, headteacher at St Matthew’s RC High School, said: ‘‘This is a wonderful innovation and resource for the whole community.

‘‘While our own pupils will benefit significantly, we are delighted that the opportunities and facilities on offer will be extended to the rest of our community.’’

Courses

The centre will be open 363 days a year and will offer a range of courses from beginners through to degree level. Building will be completed during the school’s summer break.

The centre is the latest part of a city-wide initiative to raise the level of computer provision for schools and communities in Manchester.

City learning centres have already been set up at Abraham Moss High School, Crumpsall, Trinity CE High School, Hulme and Parrs Wood High School, Didsbury.

And as well as the initial start-up costs of £1.2m, the new centre will receive almost £500,000 over three years from the Department for Education and Skills.

Manchester city council’s executive member for education Coun Bernard Stone said: ‘‘Manchester city council is committed to improving standards of education and to providing vital training opportunities for children, young people and adults throughout the city.

‘‘The city learning centres provide a marvellous opportunity for people throughout Manchester to develop their skills and learning at all levels and to benefit from the expertise and facilities available at the centres.’’