MP OPENS FAIRFAX SUITE ON SITE OF SCHOOL’S OLD SWIMMING POOL

Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell with Fairfax Head of Academy Deborah Bunn with Head Girl Yekta Esfandiari and Head Boy Sam Aucott.
Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell with Fairfax Head of Academy Deborah Bunn with Head Girl Yekta Esfandiari and Head Boy Sam Aucott.

MP opens Fairfax Suite – Sutton Coldfield Member of Parliament Andrew Mitchell officially unveiled an impressive new multi-use space at Fairfax Academy.

The new Diamond Suite at Fairfax School has been built where the site’s old swimming pool once stood, creating a flexible new space which can be used for everything from performances and exams to sports and assemblies.

The swimming pool, which was originally an open-air lido which was dug out by parents in the 1970s, was last used in 2015 when it was forced to close due to maintenance issues.

However, as part of Fairfax’s 60th birthday celebrations, a successful bid was put into Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust for cash to reimagine the site, with Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust providing match funds.

And on Wednesday, April 6th Mr Mitchell unveiled a plaque to officially open the new facility, which has been named the Diamond Suite to mark the landmark anniversary.

MP opens Fairfax Suite – and says it is a ‘brilliant addition’

Mr Mitchell said: “This new suite is a brilliant addition to Fairfax and will provide a very flexible and useful space for all kinds of activities.

Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell with Fairfax Head of Academy Deborah Bunn in the new Diamond Suite.
MP opens Fairfax Suite – Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell with Fairfax Head of Academy Deborah Bunn in the new Diamond Suite.

“By reclaiming this space I think the school, with the help of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, has stayed true to the intentions of the parents who dug out and built the original pool all those years ago – by creating a new facility that will benefit generations of students to come.

“It may have once been a swimming pool, but I’m sure this great new suite will allow students to make a splash of a different kind!”

Head of Academy Deborah Bunn said: “While we were disappointed to lose our swimming pool, we are really delighted with our new multi-purpose facility.

students at the launch of the new Diamond Suite.
Students at the launch of the new Diamond Suite.

“We have used it already and we are very much looking forward to seeing dance, drama and PE lessons, assembles, exams, exhibitions, and performances in the new venue.”

For more on Fairfax Academy, click here.

To visit the Fairfax Academy website, click here.

Gary Phelpshttp://garyphelpscomms.co.uk
Gary is an award-winning journalist who has edited nine newspapers and helped launch numerous online news brands. He created UK School News and Sutton School Life to provide platforms for local schools to share positive news stories, helping them engage with their local communities and celebrate their successes. He has appeared on TV and radio on numerous occasions, presented evidence to Government ministers, lobbied on behalf of the media industry and trained dozens of young journalists. Gary was an Associate Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Derby, and has also advised Wolverhampton College's award-winning Journalism course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Latest news

Donated prom dresses bring joy to Erdington Academy students

Erdington Academy Prom Pop-Up: Erdington Academy hosted a pop‑up boutique to dress 60 students for prom – completely free of charge – in...

English teacher ‘proud as punch’ as students win FMAT writing competition

FMAT writing competition: Students across Fairfax Multi‑Academy Trust have been recognised for their creativity and flair after impressing judges in FMAT’s Fabulous Fiction...

From first aid to finance: How PSHE at Fairfax is preparing students for life beyond school

Fairfax first aid workshop: Students at Fairfax Academy learned life‑saving skills during a visit from Young Responders at St John Ambulance.

Handsworth Grammar Anti-bullying Ambassadors at the heart of school life

Handsworth Grammar Anti-bullying Ambassadors: A groundbreaking leadership programme at Handsworth Grammar is giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to stand up to...

Related news

Donated prom dresses bring joy to Erdington Academy students

Erdington Academy Prom Pop-Up: Erdington Academy hosted a pop‑up boutique to dress 60 students for prom – completely free of charge – in...

English teacher ‘proud as punch’ as students win FMAT writing competition

FMAT writing competition: Students across Fairfax Multi‑Academy Trust have been recognised for their creativity and flair after impressing judges in FMAT’s Fabulous Fiction...

From first aid to finance: How PSHE at Fairfax is preparing students for life beyond school

Fairfax first aid workshop: Students at Fairfax Academy learned life‑saving skills during a visit from Young Responders at St John Ambulance.

Handsworth Grammar Anti-bullying Ambassadors at the heart of school life

Handsworth Grammar Anti-bullying Ambassadors: A groundbreaking leadership programme at Handsworth Grammar is giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to stand up to...