Hocroft refit is an investment with far-reaching benefits

UCS has reiterated its commitment to investing in and upgrading its facilities by completing the redevelopment of one of its most historical sports buildings.

Staff, pupils and visitors joined the Headmaster, Mark Beard, at a celebration event to mark the opening of the newly refurbished Hocroft Pavilion at the Hocroft sports centre, which caters primarily for girls’ netball as well as for Pre-Prep PE and forestry.

The event was held to coincide with the school’s first netball home match of the season, as the Pavilion sits beside the courts used by the Sixth Form girls for netball and by the boys’ basketball teams.

Mr Beard quoted the school motto when he said: “‘Paulatim sed firmiter’ [Steadily but indeed surely] we are developing our Hocroft sports ground and we were delighted to formally mark the restoration of this quintessentially English 1930s pavilion that services the site, in tandem with the netball squad’s first match of the season. This upgrade represents progress; another step taken to keep UCS moving forward.”

For Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), Sophie Bennett, the significance of the investment at Hocroft far transcends mere bricks and mortar, because it also reflects the school’s considerable commitment both to sport and to its pupils – and in this specific case, she noted, the Sixth Form girls who play netball.

She explained: “Sport is a really important part of the Sixth Form experience for our girls. Netball played at Hocroft and led by our wonderful Head of Netball, Mrs Hawes, is a crucial part of this provision and so it was important for us to celebrate it alongside the refurbished pavilion.

“For many of the girls who join us at 16, sport is a huge help in their settling in, forming new friendships and networking beyond their forms and subject lessons. It is our hope that this refurbished space at Hocroft will continue to be a place where these relationships are fostered and memories are made.”