Looking forwards

A contribution by Krish Gunatunga head of development

As we celebrate Claremont Fan Court School’s centenary, we can take a moment to look at how much the Claremont estate has changed since our initial 45 pupils arrived in 1931. We have now grown to over 1,100 pupils, and the facilities to provide for our students have had to move with the times.

In September, we held a belated celebration for opening of recently refurbished Stable Court, home of the Prep School, and the Sir Sydney Camm science and technology building. Both buildings showcase our commitment to providing first class educational facilities that also protect our historical surroundings and promote environmental sustainability.

The Stable Court refurbishment was the final part of phase one of our original masterplan which is currently under revision. A new master plan must account for the growth and evolution of the school, including the balancing of gender to close to 50:50 boys and girls. At time of publication, we are close to appointing the new master planners to map out our future capital developments over the next 20 years across the school. Last year, we started the planning application to install a multi-purpose sports pitch in the top field which many of you wrote in to support. The multipurpose sports pitch would be an all-year-round facility for multiple sports. During the planning process it became clear we would temporarily withdraw our application to take on board issues raised by some concerned local parties. We want to thank everyone who took the time to support our submission during the public consultation process.

We are now working with the UK’s premier sports construction specialist, S&C Slatters, who bring decades of experience delivering first class sports facilities, to consult and guide us through the application and building process and will be submitting a revised planning application within the next year, and we will ask you once again to write in support of the application.

During the October half term of 2021, the school was made aware of the opportunity to purchase the West Acre property adjacent to the school. The property sits within the School’s site, between the top field and the back of Orchard classrooms and the sports hall. Whilst not in the original master plan, the acquisition of West Acre gives the school the immediate opportunity to move some office and support staff out of rooms which can be used to provide additional teaching space. While this cannot be occupied until Elmbridge Council give planning permission we are working towards a speedy resolution to free-up some much-needed teaching space.