Refurbishment of Big School

Big School is an iconic space at Wycombe Abbey and is well used and cherished by both the girls and the School’s wider community. Thanks to a very generous donation by the Thompson Family Charitable Trust, this historic space is currently undergoing an extensive restoration and is planned to reopen by April 2022.

The renovation work will preserve the historic features of the room, such as the Shelburne Pew, while ensuring the project combines sensitive restoration and intelligent redesign so that the room remains fit for purpose in future years. This will include the replacement of the tiered seating, improved access to the room and the installation of new AV, heating and lighting systems.

The works started immediately following the end of the Summer Term with the removal of the stage, seating and interior fittings. The entire hall was then fully sealed to enable the safe removal of the floor, foundations and the heating system. A new floor and foundations will be laid in October, before the refurbishment of the corridor, toilets, anteroom and full redecoration of the spaces.

Thank you for your patience during this time. We look forward to sharing the final result and hosting whole School meetings and special social events in Big School next year.