Central to the school’s vision of being a leading learning community, our new Athena Centre for Science, Music, Drama and Debating will celebrate science and the arts in an inspiring, cross-curricular environment.

The Athena Centre’s biophilia inspired rooms and communal areas are starting to take shape. Furnishings and equipment are being installed in our music, drama and science departments.

The internal fit-out of heating, cooling and ventilation systems, electrics and pipe runs have been completed and over the coming months we will start to see the external landscaping design come to life.

Whilst work is still being done in our debating forum, it is expected to be finished in the autumn term, when the new development should be totally complete.

We are pleased and relieved that the project has continued despite the Covid-19 crisis. That said, the pandemic has understandably changed the way in which our contractors are operating, to ensure that they are safe and responsible on site.

• The centre is expected to welcome its first pupils in winter 2021.
• The temporary accommodation is scheduled to be removed shortly after opening so that the outdoor space can once again be enjoyed by pupils for sport and during break and lunchtimes.
• By winter 2021/22 the project will be complete with pupils enjoying all of the new facilities including science labs, music teaching and rehearsal spaces, drama rooms and the Forum debating area, as well as the new-look cafeteria.

Throughout the project, our priority has been, and will continue to be, the wellbeing and education of our current pupils as well as ensuring that we are a good neighbour. We will use our considerable experience of managing building works to ensure minimal disruption to our pupils, including isolating the site to limit dust and noise. All work is being carefully scheduled, including avoiding examination times.

There will of course be further updates as the project develops.