Sutton school announces investment programme amid major reshuffle

Highclare School in Sutton Coldfield has announced an ambitious programme of investment that will see its preparatory provision brought together on the Highclare: St Paul’s campus - creating one enhanced preparatory school.

Over the next 18 months, Highclare Preparatory School will vacate the Woodfield site and merge onto the St Paul’s site on Lichfield Road, through a carefully planned and child-centred transition.

Its leadership says bringing the two preparatory schools together enables the Highclare family of schools to focus investment, expertise and resources on one preparatory campus, ensuring a vibrant, well-resourced environment for pupils.

“This is an exciting and positive step for Highclare” said Francine Smith, head of Highclare School.

“Bringing our preparatory schools together on the St Paul’s site allows us to invest with real ambition and to create an outstanding environment for young learners.

"The scale of investment we are committing to reflects our confidence in the future and our determination to provide children with the very best possible start to their education.”

Central to the plans is a significant seven-figure investment in the Lichfield Road site.

This programme will include new and upgraded learning spaces, improvements to infrastructure, enhancements to outdoor areas and facilities designed to support both academic excellence and pupil wellbeing.

“The Governors are proud to announce the next chapter in the Highclare story, strengthening the school for the long term,” said Louise Flowith, chair of Governors.

“By focusing our investment on one preparatory campus, we can enhance educational provision, improve facilities for our younger learners and ensure the continued success of the whole school community for generations to come.”

Preparatory pupils will continue to benefit from access to specialist senior school facilities, including Design and Technology, sport and whole-school events such as concerts and productions.

Miss Smith added: “The transition will take place gradually over approximately eighteen months, with continuity and care at its heart.

"Families will be supported through clear communication, visits and information events, ensuring that children feel confident and settled as the prep schools come together.”