The owners of St John’s School are making their biggest single investment in the campus to improve its sports facilities – paving the way for improved access for the wider Sidmouth community.

International Education Systems (IES) is planning a ‘significant’ investment, expected to be a six-figure sum, to overhaul the existing swimming pool and install a telescopic enclosure so it can be used all-year-round.

The pool will not only be available for use by the school’s pupils – access will be given to residents through swimming lessons, gala events and, hopefully, as a lifeguard training venue and a place for water-based games, such as water polo.

Headmaster Mike Burgess said: “We are delighted that IES continues to invest significantly in St John’s.

“Covering the pool will make a huge difference to us and will also allow us to provide access for the local community to a fantastic facility. We look forward to welcoming lots of local children to St John’s to use this pool – either with the roof open in the Sidmouth sunshine or when the weather is less friendly!”

As part of the programme to extend the use of its facilities to the community, St John’s is also opening up its tennis programme to local pupils. Coaching takes place on Fridays nights in term time.

IES has been investing in St John’s - its flagship of seven schools across the UK, Florida, South Africa and Hungary - since it took over in 2007, but this is the largest single investment in that time.

Pupils will be able to register for tennis coaching from the start of the summer term by emailing jacey.lee@iesmail.com.