Renovation of School & Community Pool

Aim: Our community & school pool has recently started to show wear and tear and we are in need of significant funds to pay to stay open.

Who are we?

We are The Downs School, a high-achieving secondary school and Sixth Form located in Compton, Berkshire. We are proud of our strong academic results, wide-ranging enrichment opportunities, and inclusive community. 

At the heart of our community is a commitment to developing well-rounded, confident young people. Sport and physical well-being play a vital role in this, which is why we are working to preserve one of our most valuable resources: our outdoor swimming pool.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We are delighted to have received the offer of matched funding from Sport England, who will contribute up to £5,663 on the condition that we raise an equivalent amount from our community. To access this generous support, we must now secure the remaining funds through this public Crowdfunder appeal.

Our covered outdoor school swimming pool is in urgent need of refurbishment. The pump system is failing, the surrounding surfaces are in disrepair, and general wear and tear are placing the future of the pool at risk. Without these essential works, we face the prospect of closure.

This pool is not just used for school PE lessons. It supports swimming for pupils with special educational needs, hosts after-school and holiday swimming sessions for local families, provides well-being opportunities for staff, and offers a safe and familiar space for younger children to learn to swim.

By contributing to this appeal, you will help us carry out the repairs required to keep the pool open for the benefit of both the school and the wider community.

How we will spend the money raised

We aim to raise a total of £11,326, which includes the matched contribution from Sport England. Every pound will be spent directly on the refurbishment and improvement of our swimming pool, in particular the Plant Dosing System. 

We are committed to transparency and value the trust of our donors. Your support will make a measurable difference.

Community impact

The Downs School pool is more than a facility for our pupils; it is a shared resource used by many groups within the wider community.

• All Year 7 and Year 8 pupils receive swimming instruction as part of the PE curriculum.
• The pool supports non-swimmers in developing essential water safety and confidence.
• Our facilities are used to support pupils with special educational needs through calm, structured physical activity.
• After-school clubs, holiday swimming sessions, and staff well-being swims make use of the pool throughout the year.
• Local children and families rely on the pool for accessible and affordable lessons in a safe, familiar environment.

The closure of the pool would be a significant loss to our pupils and the wider community. This project ensures continued access to a much-loved and much-used facility that has served generations.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target and unlock the matched funds from Sport England:

• Make a pledge – Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal.
• Share our appeal – Please help us spread the word by sharing this campaign with your networks via email, WhatsApp, and social media.
• Donate a reward – If you are a local business, we would be grateful for items or experiences that we can offer as rewards for donors. You will receive recognition on our page.
• Fundraise for us – If you would like to set up your own sponsored activity or event, please get in touch using the ‘Contact Project’ button. We would be happy to support you in setting up your own fundraising page.

Together, we can preserve this vital facility for the benefit of pupils, families, and the wider community. Thank you for your support.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th September 2025 at 9:46am