Single campus created at Westholme School

Westholme School’s new PREP has been officially opened – on the eve of the School’s centenary year.

The independent school has amalgamated its three sites into one to offer all students even more academic and extra-curricular opportunities.

All pupils aged 4 to 18 are now based on one beautiful, rural campus at the end of Meins Road, Blackburn, Lancashire.

The new building was constructed with innovation in mind across all aspects of the provision.

Dr Richard Robson, principal, said: “We are delighted to unveil this spectacular building – which will ensure students receive the best holistic education in the most stimulating environment, developing the key 21st century skills.

“This year the school celebrated its best ever A Level results for the second year in a row. The school’s momentous centenary celebrations in 2023 will also ensure our students’ time with us is truly memorable.

“Westholme delivers an all-round educational excellence from 4-18 that is not just focussed in the classroom. We pride ourselves on offering a holistic approach to learning – giving students opportunities to shine through hundreds of extra-curricular activities to develop as a well-rounded individual. There really is no PREP like Westholme!”

The official opening saw 74 dignitaries, and supporters attend the event. Amongst the guests were The Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Mrs Croston (Westholme Principal 1988–2013) and Mrs Anne Longson, the Great Niece of the school’s founder, Miss Emily Singleton. 

Following a tour of the premises by students, the official ribbon cutting was carried out by former student, Professor Sophie Scott CBE, a neuroscientist at University College London.

Prof Scott, who received a CBE from the then Prince Charles earlier this year, said her love of science began at Westholme School.

She said: “My Westholme Principal was Dr Bond, and she used to teach chemistry. Before entering teaching she worked as a research chemist and I loved hearing her stories. It was my favourite lesson. She was an inspirational role model.”

The new building also sports a beautiful sedum roof and high efficiency LED lighting to boost its eco credentials as it moves towards becoming carbon neutral.

Leading Lancashire and Cumbria Chartered Architects, HPA, completed on the redevelopment of Westholme School. Appointed in 2017, HPA undertook three years of feasibility studies that concluded all 700 pupils across Westholme Prep and Seniors could be housed on one single campus, through the repurposing and refurbishment of its Wilmar Lodge site.   

HPA’s design for the new single campus school brings together the two buildings with a new first-floor extension to form a new Primary school for its 200 Infant and Junior school pupils. 

The relocation of the Infant and Junior schools on to the Wilmar Lodge site will create efficiencies for Westholme School, while bringing the students together to create a new sense of community and by improving the shared facilities, which include an additional outdoor learning area, along with new recreational playground, and upgraded library and hall space.

Helen Madin, senior architect at HPA, said: “It’s fantastic to see the culmination of five years of work to bring the pupils of Westholme School together on one single campus with improved educational and recreational facilities. The aim of this project was to create a more efficient site for Westholme School, and by repurposing and utilising their existing building assets into our plan, we have been able to do this while also reducing the environmental impact of the new facilities. 

Helen Madin continued: “We look forward to returning to Westholme School soon to see how their new site has helped to create a new sense of community for the school.”