Swaythling secondary school set to expand
Planning permission has today (03 August) been granted by Test Valley Borough Council to expand Saint George Catholic College in Swaythling
Southampton City Council’s expansion proposal for the Swaythling secondary school is to create a single-storey extension infilling the courtyard space at the front of the school, providing a more secure, attractive and stimulating entrance. This expansion, designed by the council’s in-house team, includes a new library and enlarged dining facilities. New and refurbished pupil toilets will also be provided in the existing building to accommodate the previously increased pupil numbers. To accommodate the new facilities, the chapel, chapel office and admin spaces will be relocated within the school site. The council’s Design Services have taken a ‘fabric first’ approach with the design with increased insulation for walls, floor and roof, including triple glazed windows, in line with best practice which contributes to the city’s net zero carbon targets.
St George Catholic College has seen a number of improvements over recent years following an increase in pupil numbers in 2014 after the college became a 6FE (six forms of entry) school for children aged 11 to 16. In 2019, a new multi-use games area was delivered with a separate project to rebuild the science and technology block completed last September. This included seven science laboratories, three technology and four general purpose classrooms.
Construction on the latest expansion of St George Catholic College is planned to start spring 2022 with the new school facilities due to be ready for the following Autumn term in September 2023. This project forms part of an overall programme of work within the council, to expand a number of existing secondary schools and provide additional school places needed for September 2023/24.
Councillor James Baillie, Cabinet Member for Education at Southampton City Council, said:
“This is a fantastic milestone in the ongoing expansion of St George Catholic College. These proposals drive forward our aim to provide excellent education and development opportunities for young people whilst supporting the school’s growth over previous years.
“I am excited to see this expansion project progress with work starting on site early next year. By improving the quality of learning opportunities, we can do the best for the young people of Southampton and support a city of opportunity for all.”
Catherine Hobbs, Director of Education at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth, added:
“The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is very proud of all that St George College has achieved in recent years. We are grateful to all who are working with us and the College to secure the facilities that the students and staff so rightly deserve.
“We look forward to this next phase of the College’s development coming to fruition.”
James Habberley, Headteacher at Saint George Catholic College, said:
“Our students, staff and everyone connected with our family at Saint George are delighted with this news. A state-of-the-art library, dining room, chapel and additional toilets will allow us to have the space and quality of facilities the students deserve. The new entrance to the school will also provide a focal point, showcasing our values and mission statement.
“This expansion project reflects the size of the school we are now. Not only will these new facilities enhance our students experience, they will also bring new opportunities for them and our staff as we continue to offer a superior learning experience.”
