Issue 476 – New sixth form centre for Matravers

Matravers School has announced plans to develop its site to include a new Sixth Form Learning Centre, with additional facilities for community use.

Plans are to be submitted for planning permission to enable the building of a single storey block located beside the school entrance.
This centre will provide superb facilities including a sixth form common room, study areas, a computer room, offices, toilets, disabled facilities and kitchen areas. Additionally, the school has been able to secure some extra funding to include provision of an office, “drop in” and meeting rooms for community use. This has been achieved through the Extended Schools Initiative.
Work is scheduled to commence in April 2011 for completion/opening in October 2011. The build will be single storey; brick faced, with pitched roof, and include environmentally sustainable options such as solar panels.
Graham Martin, chair of the premises committee said, “The governors are delighted with this new facility that is an important step in the continuing development of the sixth form, and that will also strengthen our links with the local community.”
Toni Brodie, deputy headteacher added, “Matravers has worked to be a school at the heart of Westbury, and this community facility will support us.”
Head girl and sixth form student Georgie Mead said, “This is a brilliant opportunity to acquire new facilities and help expand the sixth form”.
Head boy and sixth form student Josh Horsey added, “It is great news to have a permanent sixth form base and one with good facilities. It’s good to see it is going to be environmentally friendly.”
Matravers School has been looking to relocate the school to another part of Westbury for several years, with the current site being used for housing. However, with the current downturn in house building and an end to government-funded secondary school rebuilding (BSFI), the school says they are unable to see relocation in the next five years. However, governors are conducting a review in light of the Westbury Town Vision Plan and they recognise that the needs of the existing students require the best provision possible.