Encourage And Excel
Constantly developing its facilities, Rossall school encourages its pupils to reach their potential both inside and outside the classroom, writes Kate Ford. Photography: Paul Melling
Alongside the historic buildings that reflect the rich heritage of Rossall School in Fleetwood, there are some exciting new developments taking place. Construction has begun on a new sports centre, set to open in 2019, whilst across the campus, the finishing touches are being made to the fabulous new performing arts studio.
These impressive new facilities, coupled with recent outstanding exam results, are creating quite a buzz around the school. The academic year is now in full swing and new headmaster Jeremy Quartermain is delighted with how things are progressing.
“The performing arts building is an integral part of our ambitious development plan,” he says. “It is a truly outstanding facility which will support the artistic and creative development of future generations of pupils at Rossall.”
Henry Shepherd is the school’s development director who, jointly with the Rossall Foundation, is responsible for raising the funds required to enable these ambitious plans to be realised. He explains how the performing arts studio was funded by a former pupil of the School, or Old Rossallian.
“One of our former pupils, who was here from 1949 to 1956, is a big supporter of the arts,” says Henry. “When he heard that Rossall was planning a new building especially for performing arts, he very generously offered to fund it.”
Housed in what was once the junior gymnasium, the performing arts studio includes a professional standard theatre with acoustic lining and sprung floor which can be used for dance as well as drama. A control room will be fitted with industry standard lighting and sound decks, supplied by Poulton-based KRS Productions, and there’s also a green room and supplementary teaching spaces.
“It’s a superb facility for teaching and performing,” says Henry. “We’ll also be welcoming visiting theatre companies who will put on productions for both the school and the local community to enjoy.”
Jeremy Quartermain adds: “We’re delighted that the incredible generosity of an Old Rossallian has enabled us to deliver such a truly outstanding facility.”
Meanwhile, the £4m, two-storey sports centre, under construction, will include a main sports hall, changing facilities, fitness suite, a 50-metre indoor running track and a viewing gallery overlooking the Astroturf. This will further enhance the school’s impressive sports facilities, which already include its famous golf academy and are amongst the best in the UK.
With so many outstanding facilities, and a programme of extra-curricular activities to enable pupils to make the most of their free time, Rossall is a school where youngsters can truly develop their full potential.
A track record of academic success is matched by excellence on the sports field, in the arts and in music. Pupils are encouraged to follow their interests and develop their own individual personalities in a caring and supportive environment, where the facilities just keep getting better and better.
Rossall School
Broadway, Fleetwood FY7 8JW
01253 774201
www.rossall.org.uk
