Hartlepool Sixth Form College, otherwise known as 'Brinkburn Sixth Form College', '6fc' & 'HSFC', is one of fewer than 100 specialist sixth form colleges (for ages 16–19) in England. It was originally known as West Hartlepool Grammar School (also known as Brinkburn Grammar School) from 1902. The Girls' High School opened on Eldon Grove in 1912, and the school became a boys' school. It then became the Upper School of Brinkburn Comprehensive School in 1973. Created as the federal sixth form for the town's schools, it has established strong links with Hartlepool's four 11-16 secondary schools and is the college of choice for post-16 academic study for youngsters from Hartlepool and beyond. The College's extensive campus is based around a fully restored Merchant's House which dates from the 19th century. The ground floor of the House contains administrative offices and the main staff room whilst the upper floor has been turned into a learning resource centre. The College completed the first phase of a £24.5 million million new build which will be attached to the Merchant's House by means of an atrium.