£3m revamp for historic Wolverhampton school

A school in Wolverhampton is to undergo a £3 million revamp as it looks to increase student numbers.

Tettenhall College has drawn up plans for the work, which include the renovation of historic buildings, and expects the major construction to begin within the next 18 months.

The independent school hopes a new floodlit artificial turf pitch will bring a centre of excellence for hockey in the West Midlands, with energy efficient heating and lighting to be installed.

A new tennis and netball area are also planned, as well as a multi-use games area, high ropes facility, and a mountain bike trail – the school grounds cover 33 acres.

Early stages of the work have already started with work being done to modernise the swimming pool and a revamped school reception was completed over the summer.

Founded in 1863 by a group of Wolverhampton businessmen, the school originally housed 15 boys who were the sons of Freechurchmen seeking independent schooling.

Headmaster David Williams said it was an exciting time for the college. He said: "We are expanding as a school and investing in our future, ensuring our growing number of pupils continue to have a first class educational experience."

As part of the expansion, the school is hoping to expand its student roll. More than 300 students currently attend the school, including students from overseas and throughout the UK. The Tettenhall school has 50 boarders and a facelift at the boy's boarding house is also planned for next year.

Mr Williams said the development would keep the property's blend of traditional and contemporary, while widening opportunities for the students. The project will be paid for with school funds and bosses are hoping to employ local architects for the project.

The school's oldest building, The Towers, will also have work done. A Grade II listed building, it will undergo 'sympathetic' restoration and modernisation.

Ex-student Simon Maddox, now a Wolverhampton developer, has been working on the plans as chair of the school's planning and assets committee. He said: "The improvements will ensure it remains one of the leading independent schools in the Midlands, with facilities and standards of education to rival the top schools in the country."