Private School News

£100,000 BOARDING INVESTMENT AT FLEETWOOD SCHOOL

A £100,000 investment at one of the region’s top independent schools has resulted in new facilities for boarders and day pupils and has been completed as another phase of the five year development programme of the school’s Fleetwood campus facilities.

Co-educational Rossall School has upgraded another of its Grade 2 listed buildings to provide improved study areas and accommodation for boarders and day pupils in the School’s ‘Spread Eagle’ house. The refurbishment follows recent investments in other areas of the school, totalling £1.5 million in the last two years, all with an aim to restore many of Rossall’s listed buildings to their former glory. Three houses have been modernised in the period, bringing the accommodation and student study facilities up to hotel standards of comfort, whilst retaining the character of the buildings and the unique atmosphere of the campus.

In the latest phase, six single and occupancy bedsits have been created, together with a number of dormitories of two to three occupancy and improved day/ prep rooms for around 20 pupils. As part of the project, upgraded fire systems, and wiring systems for the school’s new computer network have been installed. Custom-made furniture and co-ordinated furnishings have completed the interior works, whilst external refurbishment has involved work on stone transoms and mullions in compliance with Grade 2 specifications. The buildings, dating back to the mid-19th Century, are also undergoing re-pointing: a major component of any work at Rossall where the school’s coastal plot bears the brunt of weather fronts from the Irish Sea.

The latest project has been completed in two months and on budget. Commenting, Rossall’s Facilities Manager, Paul King said: “With 160 acres and so many listed buildings on campus our refurbishment programme is a little like that of the Forth Bridge and our proximity to the sea means that the elements play their part in ensuring that it’s a constant programme. But this current development plan is not simply about maintaining our building stock, because we’re refurbishing our accommodation, house prep and study areas to a very high standard and the changes have been warmly welcomed by our students, both overseas and local. The work is part of a much wider programme of improvements covering, academic, leisure and boarding facilities on campus to ensure that we provide an educational experience of the highest standard possible.”