In April 2006 planning permission and Listed Building Consent was given for the construction of a new dining hall and a swimming pool in the walled garden. Permission was also granted for internal alterations to the Mansion building once vacated by the kitchen and dining facilities. The completion of this work marks the culmination of the original plans for Somerhill. It is the biggest project – apart from the actual purchase of Somerhill in 1989 – that we have undertaken.

The development allows us to function far more effectively within the mansion and provides us with a much needed facility. The pool and dining hall are 'sunk' within the walled garden, largely hidden from view.

Update: Final on the Swimming Pool/Dining Hall

The new dining area has been up and running since October 2008 and the swimming pool since the start of the Lent Term 2009 and they are proving to be everything we expected and more! Teachers have been trained to take swimming groups and use of the pool by pupils is now fully underway. We are all delighted with the new build and count ourselves most fortunate to have such superb facilities.  You can see a photographic history of the pool and dining hall in our photo galleries.

Update: Final On The Mansion

Throughout the summer of 2009 work continued on the refurbishments to the mansion and we are thrilled with the new classrooms, finishing kitchen, staff toilets, first aid room and disabled toilet. The reference library and library have also had the final work carried out to the panelling and with the additon of an oak door.  It is wonderful that after the school moving almost twenty years ago to Somerhill that this work is now complete.  We are proud of the detailed work which has been carried out to what is now Room 18, which shows the oak doors, oak window surrounds, period radiators and oak shelving, and  Room 19 which was the two accounts offices, corridor and cupboard.   The works were visited recently by twenty five members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Planning Department who were delighted with the dining hall, pool and walled garden planting.   We are acutely aware that the planners as well as English Heritage keep a watchful eye on all we do. It was lovely to be the recipients of a Tonbridge Civic Society Award for the new building and the restorative work to the mansion in 2010. Some images of the new developments can be seen in our photo galleries.
 
Diane M. Huntingford, Governor and formerly Bursar