Immanuel College’s campus improvement plans given green light
Works at top-performing Hertfordshire school include a new sports hall and improved teaching spaces
The UK’s only mainstream independent 4-18 co-ed Jewish school, will kick off its forthcoming 35th anniversary celebrations with a new of a state-of-the-art sports hall, new teaching and seminar spaces and improved outdoor sports pitches.
After extensive public consultation, Hertsmere Council unanimously approved the three-phase plans submitted by Immanuel College, which was founded in 1990.
The first phase of works will focus on both the College’s 11-acre grounds, with drainage and improvement to outdoor sports pitches, followed by a new purpose-built sports hall and a new additional teaching block.
In phase two, the school’s existing sports hall will be converted into new classrooms and in phase three, Caldecote Towers (the landmark listed building that dates from the 19th century), will be significantly improved with an enhanced range of teaching and pastoral spaces whilst preserving its unique historic character.
Caldecote Towers will become the both the hub of the school’s creative arts programme and the headquarters for its sixth form, both educationally and recreationally.
Immanuel College’s headmaster, Dr Millan Sachania, said: “The central driver behind the school’s ethos has always been to provide an education which inspires pupils to achieve beyond expectation across the spectrum of activity, whilst discovering and developing their authentic character in the context of their Jewish heritage and practice.
Photo. Ian Jones
“I am so excited to begin improving our facilities so that they too inspire and enable our pupils and teachers. I am also pleased that the improvement programme is designed so harmoniously such that pupils and staff will continue their brilliant work whilst the physical surroundings are transformed.”
Daniel Levy, Immanuel College’s chair of governors, said: “After 35 years of growth and success – beyond initial expectation — we are now putting in place a phased plan that ensures our facilities are second-to-none for our current generation of students and staff now and for the future.
“This project enhances Immanuel’s role as a centre of excellence for Jewish thought, spirituality and social action – and also a growing family. Our students play a key role in the community and the wider world and the new facilities will serve as yet another springboard for more generations to come.”
In addition to commencing the physical improvement plans, next year the College will also announce details of further celebration activity for its forthcoming anniversary.
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