Plans to expand Trinity School in Shirley, Croydon, have been approved by the local planning committee, with the chair describing the scheme as "really, really good for the borough and for the children of the borough." The private school will build two main three-storey buildings to support its transition to full co-education, increasing pupil numbers from 1,050 to 1,398 by 2031.
Co-Educational Ambitions
The John Whitgift Foundation (JWF), which owns the school, aims to welcome girls into Year 6 and Year 7 from September 2027, with full co-education achieved by 2031. This move helps mitigate the loss of the historic Old Palace girls’ school, which closed last year due to financial difficulties. The expansion was approved at Croydon Council’s planning committee meeting on 30 April, its final public session before local elections.
New Buildings and Design
The approved plans include a new three-storey sixth form block and a linked three-storey building housing a fitness suite and classrooms. These structures will be built in a style consistent with the 1960s mid-century architecture of the main Shirley campus. The project also involves demolishing four staff accommodation dwellings and a maintenance store, while retaining the residential building at 208 Addiscombe Road for staff use.
The concrete car park dominating the frontage will be replaced with active outdoor spaces, including a ‘Discovery Garden’ and ‘The Meadows’. To offset construction impacts, 93 new trees featuring seasonal colours and climate resilience will be planted across the site. Parking provision will be reduced from 187 spaces to 175, with the area backing onto Addiscombe Road, known as the Dell, repurposed as a new parking area.
Addressing Concerns
Privacy and traffic concerns were raised by nearby residents. Jay Gordon, a resident on Addiscombe Road, told the committee that the new buildings would overlook his property. Councillor Jason Cummings proposed adding opaque film to north-facing windows to reduce overlooking, but officers argued that separation distances met policy requirements and that landscaping and lighting were sufficient. Councillor Sean Fitzsimons noted that while the scheme was policy compliant, he found it hard to believe the school would not take additional steps to avoid annoying neighbours.
Traffic congestion was another key issue. A new 18-space pick-up and drop-off zone will be established north of the main building, along with waiting areas for minibuses and coaches. Forty new secure cycle parking spaces will also be installed. Richard Henley, lead planning advisor to Trinity School, said the new layout would enhance traffic flow and reduce crossover points between vehicles and pupils, improving safety.
However, Councillor Fitzsimons questioned discrepancies between the application’s travel plan and assessment, noting that around one in five students would be driven to school despite most being below driving age. Planning officers acknowledged the error, stating that there was a difference between the travel plan and assessment. Residents also warned that revised drop-off arrangements could worsen congestion and air pollution on Addiscombe Road.
Approval and Next Steps
Despite these concerns, Councillor Neal praised the scheme as “very, very good” and improved since its initial proposal. The plans were approved with seven votes in favour and two abstentions. Headmaster Alasdair Kennedy expressed delight at the approval, saying the school would continue working with neighbours as it plans works over the next two years. The decision clears the way for the £40 million project to begin later this year, subject to a Section 106 agreement covering planning obligations, including travel monitoring and public realm improvements.
Kennedy added that evolving the physical environment is part of creating a culture where both boys and girls can thrive, and work with staff and students on this continues. The expansion will see student numbers rise to 1,400 once fully co-educational in 2031.
