ROYAL VISIT 2018

On Tuesday, the Royal Alexandra and Albert School tied an enormous ribbon round the six pillars of Gatton Hall, the stately home situated in Gatton Park in Reigate, Surrey.

After 260 years of supporting children with difficult home circumstances, and undertaking a major refurbishment project on one of its key buildings, it was felt appropriate to have an impactful celebration.

The School's President, Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Gloucester came to officially re-open Gatton Hall by cutting the ribbon.  She joined other special guests including beneficiaries of the work of the School's Foundation. 

The Duchess talked to staff who care for 'Foundation' pupils and also spoke to some of the pupils that currently benefit from the support of the School's charity.  She then met staff who have worked on the £3.2m refurbishment project for Gatton Hall which was completed, on time, after a project lasting 18 months. 

The Duchess and guests enjoyed seeing the newly refurbished building which is both a Sixth Form boarding house and a venue for important school occasions.  The Grade ll listed building is the home of 46 students who now have newly decorated bedrooms, two new common rooms, a cinema room and computer room.  They proudly showed the Duchess around and talked about life as a boarder in Gatton Hall.

Headmaster, Mark Dixon, said "I would like to thank Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Gloucester, for joining us to celebrate these two important milestones in the School's history. 

"The refurbishment of Gatton Hall has allowed us to keep the building open for future generations to enjoy.  Without this investment we could not have guaranteed its future.

"I am proud to be the Headmaster of a School that, after 260 years, continues to support children with difficult home circumstances.  I think that is something worth celebrating"