Ten year school refurbishment plan

We are delighted to showcase our newly refurbished library, following a substantial programme of renovations over the summer. This is the latest element of the College’s 10- year refurbishment plan, following the new Music Block and the refurbishment of the English, Maths and Language Departments.

The update of the reception class over the summer was the last piece in the Prep School improvement programme,  which has seen every classroom, the Prep Hall and the Early Years Centre refurbished.

Considerable work was needed in the library and the brief was to create a modern, open plan multi-use space for all the pupils to enjoy. This has been a collaboration between the College and Voke Interiors, who were commissioned to carry out the work.

The start of a new chapter

Over the summer, the library interior has been brought up to date with all new carpeting and streamlined, matching furniture in the College colours. The furniture was supplied by Verco and manufactured locally in High Wycombe.

Forty-two new panels were created for the windows to restore them to their former glory. These were commissioned and completed by a local stained glass window company.

As part of the redesign, one of the key objectives was to make it a warm and inviting place, so the area at the back of the library was re-levelled and new flooring installed to create a cosy, quiet reading area.

Another key factor of the project was to allow the space to accommodate a larger number of students. The previously unused balcony area was re-invented as a mezzanine study space with a glazed frontage.

With the new layout, the librarians’ area was moved to a very central position so they are able to oversee all the areas of the library.

Fulfilling its full potential – now for the whole school

The library was intended as a space for everyone, so the library book stocks have been increased including a whole area of books for the Prep school. Now, all pupils can come and choose a book they like and enjoy reading, supervised by the librarian.

The library is not only a library, but also used for after school wrap- around care and often has 50-60 children in there who use the area for supervised homework. The new bank of touch screen PCs now ensures pupils can complete their studies and access the necessary online resources they need.

“ We wanted to make this a warm inviting space to accommodate a larger number of students and we think we have achieved this.”

Tony Leggett, Bursar

What’s Next?

Next up is the Sixth Form Centre refurbishment, which will commence after a period of consultation led by the Head and in conjunction with current Sixth Form students.