Following a hugely successful fundraising campaign, construction to build three new boarding houses at prestigious Milton Abbey School in Dorset

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR NEW MILTON ABBEY SCHOOL BOARDING HOUSES

Following a hugely successful fundraising campaign, construction to build three new boarding houses at prestigious Milton Abbey School in Dorset was today realised as the first turf was cut, marking the start of a �4million five year investment programme which will see new boarding accommodation for each and every pupil, upgraded classrooms and superb teaching facilities at one of Dorset’s leading co-educational boarding and day schools.

The forty-five week build programme is the most significant development in Milton Abbey’s sixty year history. The turf cutting ceremony was attended by James Barnes, the Chairman of Governors, Gareth Doodes, the Headmaster, long serving members of staff and Fareham based Amiri Construction.

Designed by Rollo Malcolm-Green of Mancon, Milton Abbey aims to provide the best boarding accommodation in Britain, each house will accommodate up to sixty pupils supervised by a Resident Housemaster, Resident Assistant Housemaster, Resident tutor who will be supported by a team of tutors and matrons. Each house will have individual study bedrooms for all sixth form pupils, common rooms, boot room, kitchen facilities and social areas. All will be available from September 2012 as Milton Abbey moves to full co-education.

The Headmaster, Mr Gareth Doodes commented “After a year of hard work in getting these plans from the drawing board to the construction site, it is extremely exciting to start the building works in preparation for the new boarding houses for September 2012. None of this could have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of Patrick McGrath and other members of the fundraising team, and the generous donations from former pupils, parents and friends of the school. These enhanced facilities will enable the school to realise the potential of every pupil, fostering creativity, instilling confidence and valuing each and every boy and girl at the school as individuals”.

Photograph (left to right) Gareth Doodes, Headmaster, James Barnes, Chairman of Governors, Tony Jenkins and Mark Vincent both from Amiri Construction.

Milton Abbey School contact details: Jessica Doodes, Marketing – 01258 880484

Amiri contact details: Grahame Pettit, Managing Director - 01329 222200