Austin Friars has recently announced plans for an ambitious building project comprising two new specialist facilities: a dedicated arts and digital design block and new indoor sports facility.
This represents a significant development for the school, enabling it to expand its learning provision and ensuring it continues to offer a unique educational experience for current and future pupils.
Austin Friars is already known for its exceptionally high standards in art, music and drama – providing opportunities for students to develop their artistic talents in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, pottery and printing.
It is aiming to build on this strong reputation to become one of the best in the north for arts provision, offering dedicated art lessons to pupils aged three to 18.
Plans for the purpose-built art facility include a 3D art room, photography studio and darkroom, pottery and ceramics studio, IT room and office and exhibition area.
Sport is closely linked with the strong sense of community at Austin Friars. The 25-acre site provides extensive space for outdoor activities, including hockey, rugby, football, netball, cricket, tennis, rounders and athletics. Regular inter-house competitions provide many opportunities for pupils to get involved in team sports and help strengthen ‘house spirit’.
With a long tradition of sporting success and achievement, Austin Friars is committed to continuing this heritage into the future. Plans for the specially designed sports hall and annexe include four playing courts, modern changing rooms, viewing gallery for parents and visitors, refreshment area and a pavilion overlooking the AstroTurf and rugby pitches.
As well as expanding opportunities for pupils, it is hoped that the new facilities at Austin Friars will be a valuable local resource and benefit the wider community. Both the arts and sports buildings will be available for community groups to use, including sports clubs, art groups, children’s activities and charities.
The aim is to open the new facilities as part of the school’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
In order to fund the project, the school has already received initial pledges of £750,000 from generous donors in its alumni and parenting community.
Austin Friars has now launched a fundraising campaign and is looking to raise a further £1.75m over the next few years through a combination of donations and grant funding. It invites enquiries from anyone who may be interested in supporting the growth and development of the school.
Matt Harris, headmaster, said: “It gives me great pleasure to present our project plans for the building of a new arts and digital design block and sports hall and annexe which will provide our pupils with the opportunities that an ever-expanding curriculum demands.
“We are confident that parents, alumni and friends will support this project and invest in the continuing excellence of Austin Friars.”
