Ripon Grammar School, one of the highest-ranked co-educational grammar schools in the country is opening its new Sports Hall, having raised over £1,000,000 from donations from local people. The Sports Hall has been built with funds raised in just one year in a drive to improve the School’s sports facilities and the works were carried out by Harrogate based contractor, Houseman & Falshaw.

Donations have come from students, parents, ex-pupils, staff, governors, local businesses and individuals and the new facility will be available to students and the local community. Headmaster Martin Pearman says, ‘It is an amazing achievement, particularly in these difficult times, to have raised all the money to build the Sports Hall. The people of Ripon and the surrounding areas have been wonderfully generous in helping us to achieve our goal.’

The fundraising campaign for the Sports Hall began in January 2008 and was led by parent, Dick Edwards. His team, which included parents, governors, staff and Old Riponians, worked tirelessly to bring the vision of the Sports Hall to reality. ‘We were overwhelmed by the support of parents and people within the community,’ says Dick Edwards. ‘This is surely as a result of the very great affection in which the school is held and pride in the achievements of the school’s staff and students over many years. Ripon Grammar is clearly regarded as a flagship for the whole community.’ The most significant donation came from local businessman, Paul Sykes and his wife Valeria.

The Sports Hall is 800 square metres and can accommodate six badminton courts as well as facilities for indoor football, hockey, tennis, cricket nets and netball. A climbing wall and fitness suite are also amongst the facilities offered.  The construction of an Astroturf hockey pitch will begin in the next eighteen months alongside the Sports Hall to complete the facilities.

The local community, as well as the school, will benefit from the new Sports Hall.  A number of local sports clubs have already expressed interest in using the Hall outside school hours.

A lasting tribute to all the individuals and businesses who have donated funds to the Sports Hall is in the form of a cubist image produced by 4th Year art students with help from well-known York artist, Richard Barnes. The image incorporates the names of all the donors and will be on display in the reception area of the Sports Hall. Over 250 names are incorporated in the design.

The Sports Hall will be officially opened on Thursday 1st October by England Rugby World Cup Winner Neil Back who is also coach of Leeds Carnegie RFC. Over 250 guests are expected to attend the event.