St Swithun’s School in Winchester, Hampshire, is embarking on a significant development of its indoor sports facilities.

St Swithun’s is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged four to 18.

The school says up to 25% of PE lessons are currently affected by bad weather.

The project will take place in two phases. The first phase involves the construction of a tensile roof over four tennis/three netball courts, which will be re-sited from their current position, as well as a strength and conditioning suite, changing facilities and a spectator gallery. In addition, there will be improved parking facilities next to the swimming pool building with electric vehicle charging.

Phase two will include the building of a new sports complex adjoining the swimming pool building, to include a fitness suite, flexible studio spaces with a dance studio, a café and new changing facilities.

Headmistress, Jane Gandee, said: “At St Swithun’s we are passionate about giving every pupil the opportunity to thrive. This investment in our future will ensure that these first-rate facilities match the ambition we have for our students’ all-round sporting development and overall physical wellbeing.”

Liz Norris, head of St Swithun’s Prep School, added: “Being active is vital to both physical and mental health. These new facilities will support every child, from our youngest pupils upwards, to thrive through movement and play. They will help spark a lifelong love of sports and wellbeing.”

Director of sport, Jon Riley, said: “This development will completely change the way we deliver sport and physical education. It will empower every student to participate, train and enjoy sport throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

“Sport teaches our students teamwork, leadership and resilience, qualities that will help them long after they’ve left St Swithun’s. The facilities are designed for everybody, not just our high-performing sports teams.”

A major donor fundraising campaign has been embarked on to support the building costs of the first phase and the school has pledged to match all funds raised for the covered courts.

The school stated that the project is part of its wider masterplan and vision. Design work for the second phase of the development is ongoing and will be subject to planning permission and fundraising success.

The indoor courts will be available for use throughout the year for local sports clubs and groups. The school stated that the wider local community will also benefit from extensive holiday programmes, leisure memberships, sports coaching and private facility and event hire options.

Planning permission for the first phase has already been granted, and building work will begin over the upcoming summer holidays with an expected completion date next summer.