An independent preparatory school in the vicinity of Faringdon has revealed plans to acquire approximately 20 acres of adjoining land.

St Hugh’s School provides both day and boarding education for children aged three to 13, occupying the Carswell Manor site.

In correspondence sent to parents, Headmaster David Griffiths explained that the acquisition would roughly double the institution’s available outdoor space and constitutes a significant declaration of intent from the governing board as the school prepares for expansion over the coming ten years.

The recently purchased parcel of land is expected to feature prominently in the school’s five to ten year strategic blueprint.

St Hugh’s has collaborated extensively with architectural firms to develop an extensive expansion scheme, encompassing a new dining facility, improved classrooms, and additional amenities for the pre-preparatory, preparatory, and senior school departments, with the latter officially launching in June.

The expanded grounds will enable the introduction of fresh activities such as clay target shooting, though the establishment of a new agricultural unit may prove to be particularly significant.

This project will considerably broaden opportunities for outdoor learning, especially for younger students, with provisions for pupils and neighbouring farming households to contribute to the initiative’s development. Complete proposals will be presented to the school community before the end of the year.

The institution has expressed gratitude to former students whose contributions funded the acquisition, as well as acknowledging the Woodgate family, who sold the land, for their assistance throughout negotiations.

The transaction is projected to finalise during the late summer period, with sections of the land anticipated to be operational by the autumn term.

Mr Griffiths described the acquisition as a remarkable juncture of expansion, positivity, and potential, highlighting the school’s determination to provide an outstanding learning environment for present and prospective pupils.