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Aug
Harrogate school releases details of £2 million redevelopment
St Aidan's Church of England High School in Harrogate has released more details about its £2 million redevelopment over the summer.
The investment is backed by the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, which includes St Aidan's and 11 primary schools across North Yorkshire.
The development, which is more than two years in the making, will centre on a "complete redesign" of the school's library and other learning facilities.
According to the school, the new library will provide "an inspiring, modern and welcoming environment that encourages a lifelong love of reading".
Headteacher Siân Dover said:
Reading remains one of the most powerful tools we can give young people. Our new library will be a vibrant and inspiring space that reflects the importance of literacy within education today. We want every student to see themselves as a reader and to benefit from the confidence, knowledge and opportunities that reading can bring.
Alongside the new library, the school is also upgrading its learning support area and student counselling spaces.
Students will be able to use the new spaces to access support and guidance whenever they need it, ensuring that 'inclusion and wellbeing remain at the forefront of school life.'
The project will also create a brand-new sixth form lounge and study hub.
The Associated St Aidan's and St. John Fisher Sixth Form is one of the largest school-based sixth forms in the country, and the new development has promised to provide dedicated areas for students to "study, collaborate, and prepare for their next steps beyond school".
The school hired a design company which specialises in "environments that support neurodivergent young people".
One such inclusive feature will be the addition of a series of new "individual study pods", which will be available to all students.
In addition to the creation of new spaces inside the school, the project will also involve work to the school's façade.
The development is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the new school year in September.
It marks the second stage in the school's development programme, following on from the construction of a new visitor reception, meeting rooms and bespoke office accommodation last year.
Ms Dover added:
We are incredibly grateful to Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust for their commitment and investment in our school. These developments reflect our shared ambition to provide the very best environment for our students and staff. Every aspect of the project has been designed with our young people in mind, ensuring that St Aidan’s continues to be a place where everyone can flourish.
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