LONDON SCHOOL BREAKS GROUND ON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOLLOWING HSBC UK FUNDING

St Dunstan’s College, a co-educational independent school in Catford, London, has begun redeveloping its site this month after securing a £20m loan from HSBC UK.

The project will see the creation of a state-of-the-art new junior school, STEM building and sixth form hub, which will benefit St Dunstan’s pupils, staff and the local community. Using sustainable materials where possible, the building project will create enhanced teaching and recreational facilities and help St Dunstan’s College expand its pupil numbers amidst growing demand for places.

The innovative development of the buildings and workspaces have been designed to offer a stimulating learning environment. Upon completion, the school will boast a specialist environment for art, music and performance with the creation of a drama auditorium, as well as new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths facilities.

This project follows the recent completion of an upgrade to the sports facilities and the introduction of two new multi-use games areas, and is part of a wider plan to significantly redevelop the site and rationalise its existing buildings into a new world class facility.

Nicholas Hewlett, Headteacher at St Dunstan’s College, said:

“This is one of the most significant developments since our foundation in 1888. The funding from HSBC UK will allow us to further embellish the view of our founders that St Dunstan’s should be ‘ahead of its present time’. We know that our state-of-the-art STEM facilities will provide an ambitious platform from which our community will continue to thrive. We are very excited to be embarking upon the next phase of our journey.”

Victoria Ritchie, Area Director for City of London, Mid-Markets Corporate Banking team at HSBC UK, said:

“We are proud to play a part in St Dunstan’s College’s most ambitious transformation to date and hope the funding from HSBC UK will allow it to reach new levels of success in the education sector.

“The loan is further demonstration of our commitment to lend to the UK education sector as we look to support both schools and universities improve the level of their facilities and education provision.”

Ian Robinson, HSBC UK’s Head of Public Sector and Education, added:

“We are delighted continue our commitment to the education sector by supporting St Dunstan’s College as they embark on their latest exciting development which will benefit the college, its students and the local community now and long into the future.”