'We would be over the moon' - At-capacity Lower Gornal school appeals for funds to move to bigger site
An independent school in Lower Gornal which has reached its capacity is hoping to raise more than £150,000 to move to a bigger site.
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The King Alfred School was set up by married couple Hayley and Tom Bowen back in 2021, with nine pupils initially enrolled including their son, Henry.
It aims to deliver a private education at a reduced cost, with parents asked to pay £6,000 per child per year.
The school currently teaches children aged between three and 13 in small class sizes and following a classical curriculum, inspired by works from writers including Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
Since opening, it has operated out of an old Sunday school building in Lake Street, but with 26 pupils now on roll, is at capacity.
Headteacher Mrs Bowen, who has previously taught in secondary schools across the West Midlands, said the school has been forced to transform its hall into a classroom to make space for the children.
The soon-to-be mum-of-three said: "There are only two rooms for classrooms. We couldn't take a new intake this year for nursery and reception.
"We have got people who want to come to the school but we need a bigger facility. We want outdoor space which we are lacking in, we want to be a school of over 200 and we can’t do that now."
The school is deciding between two potential sites: Holbeche House in Wall Heath, which dates back to around 1600 and would cost an estimated £2.5 million; or what is currently The Mere Education Centre in Wordsley, which would cost about £860,000.
Mrs Bowen, who lives in Wombourne, said £50,000 has already been raised but the school is looking to secure a further £150,000 in order to put a deposit on a building.
Any extra money raised will go towards refurbishing the site in the hopes of welcoming new pupils in September.
The 37-year-old headteacher said: "It would mean a future really for the school because we can't stand still. It's vital we move for the future and keep the momentum going.
"For us, it has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears to build a school from the ground up so to move to a space of our own would mean everything to us. We would be over the moon because we know we would have a future.
“It's phenomenal really that we even run. A lot of people think 'independent', they think we have the money, but what people don't realise is we operate with less money per child than a state school does.”
The school is hosting an event at Himley Hall on Tuesday (January 14) between 6.30pm and 10.30pm where people can enjoy food and drinks and learn more about the plans. Tickets can be found at eventbrite.com/e/king-alfred-school-fundraising-event-tickets-1113529920969.
To support the fundraising effort, people should visit The King Alfred School website.
