Sackville School on Lewes Road in East Grinstead has been awarded £1.6 million to install new all-weather sports facilities, replacing the existing pitches which have been there since the 1980s.

The funding allocation was given the green light on Tuesday (August 4) by Councillor Sam Raby, who serves as West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member responsible for children, young people and learning.

The total sum consists of £815,000 from Section 106 developer contributions, £625,000 from Schools Basic Need funding, and a £160,000 contribution from the school itself.

Planning consent was granted for the scheme in May 2025. The work will involve demolishing the existing pitches and building replacements, together with the installation of mesh fencing, LED floodlights, an acoustic barrier, sections of hard-standing, and the resurfacing of long and triple jump pits.

According to a document submitted alongside the planning application, the school aims to provide students with an excellent outdoor learning environment while establishing itself as a central hub for the local community. The statement indicated that the intention is to develop sporting facilities offering both students and local residents access to diverse activities, which is why the existing amenities are being upgraded. The document added that inclusion forms a core part of the school’s ethos, alongside values of community, ambition, excellence, respect, resilience and teamwork, with sport playing a vital role in reinforcing these fundamental principles.

A report presented to Councillor Raby outlined that the scheme would operate as a School Managed Project, with funds released to the institution as construction progresses.

Subject to everything proceeding as expected, the work is scheduled for completion during the Spring term of 2027.