Independent school announces expansion plans (From The Advertiser Series)

Independent school announces expansion plans

5:41pm Friday 1st February 2013 in News By Vicki Henderson, Darlington reporter

AN independent school in Darlington has announced plans to expand after strong inspection results and the proposed closure of a nearby school.

Polam Hall, in Grange Road, said it will invest in its facilities to allow two first year classes to start at its junior school in September, instead of one.

The day and boarding school, which caters for children aged between three and 18, has plans to create a technology lab and a dance studio, as well as the refurbishment of its food technology lab and changing rooms.

A school spokesman said the expansion plans came as a result of an increase in demand for places at the school following an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report last year, which rated the school as 'excellent' in a number fields.

The planned closure of Raventhorpe at Yarm School, which was announced last month, has also fuelled interest in Polam Hall as parents look for an alternative school in the local area.

Polam Hall headmaster John Moreland said he was saddened to hear of the proposed closure of Raventhorpe but added: “Polam Hall has been based in Darlington for nearly 160 years and will be the town’s only independent school from September. We are proud of the excellent all round educational provision we deliver.

“These are exciting times ahead for Polam Hall but we can't afford to rest on our laurels. At Polam we are constantly looking at ways in which we can build for the future. These improvements should help us ensure that we are able to continue offering the same high standards of education and pupil welfare for many more years to come.”

Sally Pelham, the chair of governors, added: “I am delighted by the expansion of year one and with our refurbishment plans. As a school, we are very proud of our high academic standards as well as the range of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities we offer our pupils."

“The planned improvements to our facilities will enable us to maintain these standards and meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”

For more information visit polamhall.com