Princethorpe College secures funding for £10m plan

FOURTEEN new classrooms will be built at Princethorpe College as part of a multi-million expansion plan.

Work has begun on the £4.65million block which includes two new computer suites with it due to be finished by the start of the next school year in September.

The £10million investment programme will also see current facilities improved, a new technology centre built along with extra sports pitches, a new theatre and more science laboratories over the next ten years.

Eddie Tolcher, bursar of the Princethorpe Foundation - which also includes Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery in Kenilworth - said: "The school has reached its optimum size and we want to ensure our pupils learn and develop in the best environment possible.

"We are very excited about the new classroom block and the future developments in the pipeline."

Princethorpe College was established in 1966 as a boys’ school and is housed in a Grade II listed building which dates back over 200 years. It merged with St Joseph’s Convent School, Kenilworth in 2001 and alumni includes England cricketer Ian Bell.

Andrew Franklin, Coventry and Warwickshire area commercial director of HSBC which is funding the improvements to the tune of £3.5million, said Princethorpe had a record of achievement and innovation.

"This latest development programme is a continuation of this. The school has some exciting plans in the pipeline over the next 10 years and we are delighted to have been able to support this project."

- A BOLT out of the blue is how the former head of sport at Princethorpe College described being made MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours’ List.

Gwilym Price was speaking on his return to the school he retired from in 2005 after 31 years in the role.

The 68-year-old met a group of pupils who hope to follow in the footsteps of Old Princethorpian and England cricketer Ian Bell excel in their chosen sport. The visit was in his role as director of sport at the Independent Schools' Association,

He recalled his time at Princethorpe, highlighting the hosting of three major National Cross Country Championships but also the many pupils he remains on contact with.

"It’s surprising how many past pupils stay in touch and it’s that contact that lets you know that you have made a difference to young people’s lives.

"Sport is about presenting the ordinary child with the opportunity to be extraordinary."

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