Professor Robert Winston Opens New Sixth Form Block at Pate’s Grammar School

On Wednesday 8th May, E G Carter & Co Ltd celebrated with Professor Robert Winston and Pate’s Grammar School as they officially handed over the new Sixth Form Centre and Library.

The School were honoured to welcome a range of staff, students, the design and construction team, along with special guest, Professor Winston, to unveil a plaque in his name.

Professor Winston is known for his pioneering treatments regarding fertility and improvements to IVF. As well as his cutting-edge research, Professor Winston is Chairman of the Genesis Research Trust which promotes better health for women and babies. The Trust has raised £13 million to build and equip the most advanced research centre in Europe for Reproductive and Developmental Biology.

The ceremony consisted of a tour around the new three-storey Sixth Form Centre and afternoon tea, with the unveiling of the plaque which was followed by a question and answer seminar from Professor Winston about his research of his pioneering work regarding fertility.

The new state of the art centre has ceiling to floor length windows giving each floor beautiful views over Cheltenham along with break out areas and a library dedicated to former student Nigel Baker.

Works to the school include not only the new Sixth Form Centre and Library but also a Strength and Conditioning Suite and PE Store, as well as the refurbishment of vacated areas to provide a new performance space, junior library, future science laboratory and much needed classrooms.

Mark Harries, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd said “E G Carter & Co Ltd were delighted to attend the prestigious event. As with most great projects, there is always a stand out ceremony where the new facilities are celebrated, however this one was unique and the seminar by Professor Richard Winston was certainly one to remember. Regarding the building, we can honestly say it has been an absolute pleasure working with the school and their team, we hope this great building is enjoyed by teachers and pupils for many years to come.”

The £3M build, was funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, supplemented by the school’s own fundraising appeal.