We are so excited that our students are now able to use our brand-new sports hall.

However, we still need your help!

We have been so lucky to raise enough funds to complete phase 1 and 2 of the build in order to make the gym space usable for our students and community. 

We need to continue fundraising in order to finish the ancillary areas, which include toilets, showers, and a lift, plus the addition of a first floor which will house two multi-purpose classrooms, and a toilet.

If you are able to help by making a donation to help us finalise our project, please contact Madeleine Maynard, Business Manager on mmaynard@stcatherines.college or call 01323 465458. We are truly grateful for any donation, no matter how small.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

 

Why do we need your help?

St Catherine’s College is situated in Langney, Eastbourne and is the only Church of England Secondary School in East Sussex. The College has almost 1100 students and provides education to 11-16 year olds. It is located in an area ranked by the Government as being in the bottom 20% for deprivation nationally.

The College was built in 1958 for 500 students. Over the last twenty years, the number of students on roll has more than doubled and therefore, the original sports facilities are no longer fit for purpose. 

We are immensely proud of all our students and are passionate about providing them with the best facilities that we can. In addition their excellent academic achievements, many have also excelled in their chosen sports, despite the lack of facilities available at the College. Some have achieved basketball and football scholarships in America. In addition, we have students who have been signed to a range of professional football clubs. 

Unfortunately, during bad weather, our field becomes waterlogged, furthering the pressure on our over-stretched indoor facilities, with classes having to merge, and children sadly missing out on essential physical PE lessons. 

PE has never been more important, especially as we emerge from the pandemic. In addition to developing physical skills, PE also teaches children to develop resilience as they navigate complex social situations; and nurtures their emotional development. There are real concerns about the long-term effect the pandemic has had on our children. As the social and emotional cost become clearer, it is it is essential that we do all we can to support the next generation.

Benefit to St Catherine's College Community:

Sports England recommends that a school of our size should have a ‘four-court sports hall’. By building a new sports hall, it will enable our PE Department to deliver a high-quality curriculum to support students’ physical and mental wellbeing.

In addition to this, the sports hall will be used for a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as trampolining, table tennis, netball and basketball clubs, before and after school, and at break and lunchtimes.

Benefit to the Wider Community:

We are planning to make the new facility available to churches, local charities and schools for non profit-making purposes. We are aiming for the sports hall to become a central hub within our community. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heaven" - James 1:17