Elizabeth College had already started on its plans to buy the building next door to the main school site, Canada Court, and it says that purchase was completed in January, with the current occupants, RBC due to move to Admiral Park in July.

Once the college takes full possession of Canada Court, it will be renamed Perrot Court, after the late advocate, lawyer and philanthropist. 

Pictured: Roger Perrot, photographed by Chris George. 

While the college says it doesn't intend to increase its student numbers, buying Canada Court will enable it to offer those children better facilities to learn in.

The main Elizabeth College building was designed to accommodate a maximum of 150 students almost 200 years ago, and some of the other buildings on the school site are even older. Plans have already been prepared for the Canada Court site, with the new facilities proposed to include enhanced library and study amenities and an enlarged Sixth Form Centre as well as additional classroom space. 

The Elizabeth College Foundation has raised the funds to purchase the building by the ‘Chance of a Lifetime’ Appeal which has been running since early last year.

"Old Elizabethans, parents, former parents, staff and many other members of the wider Elizabeth College community have been incredibly generous with their support to the Appeal, which has now raised over £2.2m," said the college.

Pictured: Canada Court is to be renamed Perrot Court. 

The College Principal says the success of the Chance of a Lifetime Appeal, combined with the generosity of Mr Perrot's legacy, has also enabled the school to move forward on plans to establish a Foundation Bursary Scheme, something very close to Mr Perrot's heart, "and which is also strongly supported by many other donors to the Appeal". 

The means-tested Foundation Bursary Scheme is intended to "enable pupils from all walks of life in Guernsey who demonstrate the appropriate character and commitment to continue to be able to attend Elizabeth College and will ensure that the College can maintain its diversity of intake, which has long been a feature of an Elizabeth College education".

Details of the scheme will be available later this academic year. Elizabeth College Principal, Jenny Palmer, said it is an exciting time for the school.

Pictured: Elizabeth College Principal, Jenny Palmer. 

"The next few years at Elizabeth College will be immensely exciting times with the transition to co-education at the Upper School beginning in 2021, expansion into Perrot Court and the introduction of a Foundation Bursary Scheme.

"These developments will ensure we have the best possible facilities for a wide-ranging 21st Century education and that our superb educational offering; academic success, outstanding extra-curricular activities and excellent pastoral care, will be available to as broad a spectrum of students as possible."