Beaconsfield grammar school starts fundraising campaign to repair 'off-putting' toilets

Students at Beaconsfield High School were give the reins to redesign the school’s toilets which had deteriorated as a result of increased spending cuts in recent years.

Beaconsfield High School chose to refurbish the toilets as the project for the 2018-19 annual fundraising campaign, as they feared students had been avoiding using them.

Before phase one was completed

Phase one of the scheme is currently underway, with the school using this years budget to complete the first stage.

The toilets now have been considerably improved in comparison to their previous state. Previously damaged cubicles have been replaced with more durable facilities, more efficient automatic taps have been installed alongside new toilets with automatic flushes

A fundraising campaign has been started for phase two with the school’s budget unable to cover the necessary funds needed this academic year.

The school have released a video asking for donations to ensure phase two can be completed. In the video, the suggested donation amounts are '£20, £50, £100, £150, £500 or £1000.'

Students have already raised £11,000 in sponsorship at the House competition fun run for phase two of the project. Beaconsfield High School aim to meet the fundraising target of £25,000 by the end of the academic year.

After stage one was completed

Headteacher Rachel Smith said: “Our students have expressed their concerns over the quality of our toilet facilities, so it had to be the refurbishment for this year’s community fundraising project.

“We created a Toilet Working Party and provided the students with brochures and samples in order to make decisions about all aspects of the blocks, from the colour of the cubicles to the style of sinks, and the inclusion of automatic taps and flushes for better hygiene and durability.”

“It is a reality that students avoid using toilets in school because of faulty fittings and fixtures, and a perception that they are unclean – when toilets haven’t been refurbished for a number of years, they will be off-putting.

“We needed to ensure that our students felt comfortable using the facilities throughout the day and didn’t avoid drinking enough water or eating during their breaks. Each day is full on for our students, who are ambitious to learn and succeed, and sustenance and being comfortable are top of our list for their wellbeing.”