The Governors and Headmaster have given an update on two large building projects that will start this summer.

The first is the long-awaited new Sixth Form Centre.  This is centred on the existing Otway House: the 1930's extension to the old vicarage will be demolished and the remaining Victorian house will be transformed into open-plan study and common-room areas.  To the right-hand side, between Otway and Main School we will build a 3-storey classroom block.  This will be joined to Otway by a first-floor walkway.  The left-hand side of Otway will adjoin a 400-seat multi-purpose auditorium, which will be used for year-group assemblies, seminars, examinations and performances.  Building work should begin on site in the second half of July and the buildings should be ready to use in Trinity Term 2011. 

The second project is a series of improvements to Courage Hall.  These comprise: building a new School Shop beside the PE Department's offices; creating a new Reception which will serve both the Sports Centre and the School and at which all visitors to the School will be required to ‘book in'; providing new accommodation for the Porters; and refurbishing the changing rooms and air exchange system in the Sports Centre.  This work, too, should begin in the second half of July; the alterations should be complete by April/May 2010.

A great deal of the planning for both projects has focused on how to minimise the disruption to normal school life.  However, some noise and some disruption are inevitable.  One area that will have an immediate impact when school re-starts in September is car parking.  The car park by Otway and some of the parking spaces in the Courage Hall car park will be annexed for constructors' compounds. 

In addition, the recently approved School Travel Plan started to explore ways of improving traffic congestion in Middleton Hall Lane and the Courage Hall car park and further consultation work on this will be undertaken during the summer holidays. 

Ultimately, we seek to improve the chaotic circulation in this area caused, particularly at pick-up time, by the custom of parents parking and waiting for pupils, thereby adding to the congestion.

The Governing Body has been at great pains to determine that it is right for these projects to proceed during these difficult financial times.  That they are going ahead is a reflection of two things: the careful husbanding of resources over the last 4 years so that sufficient funds are available to pay for these projects; and confidence in the future of the School - that the combination of excellent teaching and outstanding facilities will mean that the School will continue to thrive for many years to come.