Yarm Preparatory School is preparing for significant enhancements to its educational and ancillary facilities and a dedicated car park to alleviate traffic congestion.
The ambitious plans, which will shortly be submitted to Stockton Council, include a striking new building at the front of the school, which will replace the existing dining and changing facility. This will house a generous arrival and reception area, which will also serve as a gathering place for the school community.
Adjacent to the reception area will be a double-height, multi-purpose performance area for drama productions, assemblies and evening events. This high-end space will offer a full-sized and accessible stage with state-of-the-art audio, lighting and visual equipment. It will also have the flexibility to be used for dining, served by new bespoke kitchens and servery.
The first floor will provide pupils access to a stunning open-plan learning resource centre, housing a library, flexible IT facilities and break-out spaces suitable for collaborative projects and independent learning. Three new large, light and airy classrooms complete the design and replace the single storey teaching block, enhancing the recreational space enjoyed by pupils.
Refurbishment to the current library and IT mezzanine level will enable the development of a centre for music teaching, practice and performance. Further enhancements will provide more generous teaching spaces and better administrative accommodation.
A new purpose-built design technology workshop will support the development of an integrated STEM based science and technology curriculum in the coming years. Changing facilities close to the hall and with easy access to the floodlit Astro pitch complete the impressive plans.
Internal refurbishments and a new extension will add greater flexibility and space to the existing nursery building.
To complement the development at the Prep School, a safe, dedicated car park is planned. This will be accessed by a new road junction and a dual exit lane will ensure that traffic can depart in a timely fashion. Walkways and access ramps will enable pedestrians to access the Prep or Pre-Prep Schools safely and easily.
Mr Bill Sawyer, Preparatory School Head, said: “This is a hugely exciting project in keeping with Yarm School’s impressive and unrivalled development over the last 15 years.
“Our recent investment in facilities across the Prep School have allowed us to develop a floodlit all-weather pitch, Prep hall and new Pre-Prep, a dedicated science laboratory and enhanced recreational provision. These together, with the superb new plans, will enable us to deliver an even broader and richer curriculum. Work will be carried out with very little disruption to pupils’ education.
“The car park is very important, both to the success of the investment project and to supporting the infrastructure and road network for the school and the town. We are keen to resolve long-standing issues, which impact on traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
“Staff and parents will have dedicated parking and drop-off areas, with additional provision for sixth-form students at the main school. This will alleviate parking issues, which cause inconvenience to local people and we expect will be welcomed by the motorists and the local community.”