We are delighted to report that pupils from Year 3 all the way through to Sixth Form are now enjoying our recently completed new sports and fitness facilities.

No one approaching the School from Victoria Road can fail to see the stunning transformation of the exterior wall with its huge aluminium sporting figures and stainless-steel lettering.

Inside, the new building is light and airy with some beautiful design features. The ground floor comprises a dedicated sports reception area, new changing rooms, lockers and PE office. Upstairs there is a Mind and Body Studio, intended to be a multi-use space for activities such as dance and yoga, and an extensive Fitness Suite packed with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. In addition, the existing Sports Hall has been upgraded acoustically.

The new building being handed over by the architect and lead contractor to Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Haslam, and Bursar, Mrs Sharon Senn

On first entering the new Mind and Body Studio, some groups of pupils, inspired by the recent Charity Dance Competition, broke out into an impromptu-choreographed dance! Older pupils are delighted and amazed at the extent of the new Fitness Suite and Sixth Form students are putting it to good use, confirming that exercise can be used to effectively alleviate exams tension.

Headmistress Mrs Sarah Haslam said: “This fantastic upgrade to our sporting facilities would not have been possible without the very generous contributions made by parents, alumnae and friends of the School. We are very grateful for their support which will help Withington continue to provide outstanding opportunities for all our pupils.”

Plans are well underway for a festival of sport and official opening of the new building before the end of term. Architects Cassidy and Ashton designed the building, and the lead contractor for the project was John Turner Construction.