WORK is underway on the construction of a new £150,000 sports facility at a top 10 independent school.
St Gerard’s School is building a state-of-the-art multi-use games area (MUGA) at its seven-acre Ffriddoedd Road site in Bangor.
Set for completion in March, the development will feature a ‘next generation’ artificial grass surface, toilet block and changing rooms, parking spaces, upgraded fencing and landscaping, and, subject to planning permission, floodlights.
The investment follows a series of internal and external improvements at the school, which produces some of the best A Level and GCSE results year on year in Wales and was ranked eighth in the country in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
Business Manager Steve Griffiths said they will continue to renovate and revamp the cherished institution while retaining their core values and reputation for academic excellence and providing a safe, welcoming environment for learners.
“The new facilities will be a brilliant addition to the site and further improve our physical education provision,” he said.
“Construction is well underway and the ‘next generation’ pitch will be top of the range, making this one of the best outdoor sporting surfaces in the region.
“Long-term there will be opportunities to capitalise on the MUGA as a potential revenue stream given there is demand in north west Wales for places to play five-a-side football, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball and more.
“There is room for two netball or basketball courts, one seven-a-side football pitch and use for other games and sports as well – it’s going to be epic, and we can’t wait to see the completed project.”
He added: “We have further plans for the site, but ultimately the top priority is providing our pupils with the very best teaching in a high-quality setting.”
Having achieved a 16% rise in learners in 2024 – and with further growth expected in Years 12 and Year 7 – St Gerard’s is well placed to sustain its position as an industry leader in the face of “huge challenges” facing the private education sector.
Headteacher Campbell Harrison said: “Redevelopment of our sports facilities is just one of the ways we are looking to capitalise on our footprint and place here in the centre of Bangor.
“We have demonstrated commitment to pupils, their families and our community with a major investment programme which also included a revamp of the Sixth Form suite, the library, the car park, a ‘wellness walk’, roof repairs, a rebrand of the logo and website, and a £150,000 heating system.
“There are further ideas in the pipeline, and we will continue raising the bar as the largest and most academically successful independent school in Gwynedd and Anglesey – something we are very proud of.”
