Exeter School opens new indoor pool

Exeter School is celebrating the opening of its new indoor pool.

Chairman of Governors and former pupil Andrew King officially opened the pool during a ceremony on 28 June.

A generous donation from an anonymous benefactor enabled Exeter School to build the first-class, 25-metre four-lane pool for the benefit of Exeter School pupils and local schoolchildren. The Governors agreed to match fund the donation in order to integrate the pool fully with the existing sports facilities.

Director of Sport Andy Mason said the inauguration of the new pool marked the completion of an extensive Sports department build that includes a new fitness suite and free weights room, new indoor rifle range and studio area as well as new changing rooms.

"We are delighted with our top spec year-round swimming facility," he said. "This will allow us to develop swimming in the sports curriculum for all pupils at Exeter School.

"Pupils in Years 3 and 4 will enjoy swimming lessons all year round during one of their two weekly PE lessons. We will also be able to improve our extra-curricular provision which will enable us to focus on competitive swimming as well as allow pupils to take part in a range of other water activities such as water polo and lifesaving."

Headmaster Bob Griffin said he was particularly pleased to be able to welcome the children from five local primaries to swim all year round in the pool.

"We are delighted to work in partnership with Exeter primary schools and provide swimming lessons, which will be taught and lifeguarded by Exeter School staff, as well as the transport to and from the pool, all free of charge."

St Sidwell's, St Leonard's, St Michael's, Montgomery and Wynstream are the first primary schools to benefit from Exeter School's new swimming pool as of September.

St Sidwell's Headteacher Vanessa Briggs said they were very excited to be working in partnership with Exeter School on their swimming programme next year.

"We are certain that with the expertise of PE staff and the amazing new swimming pool facilities, the pupils of St Sidwell's School will have a wonderful swimming experience where their swimming abilities and water confidence will continue to improve and progress. "

Exeter School's Chairman of Governors Andrew King welcomed guests to the official opening on 28 June, which was followed by a display from Exeter School's swimming squads and a tour of the facility.

From the start, the new pool has been designed and constructed to the highest environmental and energy efficient standards. The overall pool buildings contribute to the energy needs of Exeter School within the demanding BREEAM framework. The pool was also designed to take advantage of future plans for energy distribution in Exeter.

Thanks to Skinner Construction and Devon Contractors for their role in this major construction project which was project managed by the Bailey Partnership.