A LEADING independent school has unveiled a £150,000 multi-use sports facility following the completion of construction work.
The new state-of-the-art pitches at St Gerard’s School in Bangor are already drawing attention from prospective students and the wider community, having been finished ahead of the summer season.
The development features a ‘next generation’ artificial grass surface suitable for five-a-side football, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball and more.
Alongside the pitches are an access road, parking spaces, a running track, and landscaped areas. Plans are also in place to add floodlighting, changing rooms, and toilet facilities in the near future.
St Gerard’s – ranked eighth nationally in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide – has made significant infrastructure investments over the past 18 months.
Headteacher Campbell Harrison reaffirmed the school’s ambition to enhance its appeal and support its current students and their families.
“This is not just a MUGA (multi-use games area), it is a commitment to our pupils and the community,” he said.
“We have a rich academic history but are also renowned for punching above our weight when it comes to sporting activity and achievement, producing many champions and elite young athletes over the years.
“Most importantly, we promote health, wellbeing and exercise, combined with fun! That’s one of the main reasons behind this new facility, which I’m sure will prove very popular with learners but also people in north west Wales keen to participate in sports like five-a-side, netball and basketball in the evenings and on weekends.”
Business Manager Steve Griffiths echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the wider benefits of the project.
“The facility is a fantastic addition to the site and further improves our physical education (PE) provision.
“We have also introduced a garden and landscaping around the area to complement the ‘wellness walk’ we launched last year, and the overall redevelopment of the seven-acre site.
“We have future plans but as always our key mission is to ensure the pupils receive the best education in a warm, welcoming setting – which they do.”
With a 16% increase in student numbers in 2024 and further enrolment growth anticipated in Year 7 and the Sixth Form, St Gerard’s is well-positioned to maintain its leadership status despite ongoing pressures in the independent education sector.
The school’s broader development programme has included not just sports and outdoor amenities but also a revamped Sixth Form suite, updated library and visitor car park, roof maintenance, a refreshed logo and website, and the installation of a £150,000 heating system.
St Gerard’s will host an open event on Saturday, June 7, from 10am to 1pm.
For more information or to attend the open day, visit www.st-gerards.org, follow the school on social media, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org, or call 01248 351656.
