College’s construction projects

SHIPLAKE College is about to break ground on two major developments at the school site.

Construction of a state-of-the-art, multi-activity centre and a new sixth form centre will commence during the Easter holidays next month.

The construction of both buildings will happen concurrently and is expected to take less than a year to complete.

The activity centre will be located next to the river on the site of the old boathouse and will provide training facilities for the independent school’s rowing crew and storage for 72 boats.

It will also be a hub for the school’s Combined Cadet Force and will feature a climbing wall, fitness suite and rifle and archery range.

There will be changing facilities and toilets and a balcony accessed from the ergo training area that will double up as a function room. The sixth form centre will have a café on the ground floor and two classrooms and two seminar rooms on the first floor.

The café will act as a common room for sixth form students and will be open to parents and spectators during sports matches.

Bursar John Ralfs said: “We are hugely excited that construction is about to commence and the pupils will benefit from these facilities in the not too distant future. Everything we do is about enhancing the experiences and outcomes for students.

“The sixth form centre will be a fantastic hub for the older students, allowing for an informal study area to complement the quieter study areas available.

“The multi-activity centre will house our fleet of rowing boats and will support our already thriving rowing community and will also offer something for every student.”