Robert Pearce House has re-opened its doors to pupils and parents at Bishop’s Stortford College, following extensive restoration after September 2015’s ferocious fire. The newly renovated boys’ day and boarding house, currently home to 48 boarders and 17 day pupils, combines memories of the past with new state-of-the-art facilities. Bedrooms feature en suite facilities, while study areas are equipped with desks, secure device storage, charging points and power sockets
The re-opening of Robert Pearce House was “a momentous, and an emotionally charged occasion for all”. Some of the boys had been resident during the fire, and during the renovation period the boys and House Parents had to make home in three different temporary accommodations.
Jeremy Gladwin, College Headmaster, commented: “On a personal level, having been one of the first on the scene dealing with the devastating fire that destroyed most of the original building. it was sheer joy to see the delight on the boys’ faces as they walked over the threshold at the start of term.
“I am thrilled that we have been able to retain the original facade on the Maze Green Road, an aspect of the building generations of pupils will recognise as the house they know and love. The common room is also a replica of the original, and honour boards and pictures that were rescued from the original building take pride of place in the entrance hall and on the walls. Whilst retaining such reminders of the past, the new house is more spacious and, with en suite rooms throughout, a wonderful addition to our top class modern boarding facilities at the College.”
