By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde School has opened Oxford Lodge, a renovated Victorian building designed to provide a modern learning environment for its youngest pupils.
Located on the main school site, the building is now home to Lower Prep children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, who have moved from Fiveways in West Street, which had housed these year groups since 1992.
Head Master Will Turner said: “We are thrilled to provide this wonderful modern space for our Lower Prep pupils at Ryde School.
“Oxford Lodge offers the perfect setting for our younger pupils to explore, create, and build confidence in a safe and stimulating environment.
“This building marks a significant investment in our early years provision, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to providing an inspiring educational journey from a child’s very first steps at school.
“The location of Oxford Lodge also means our younger years will have much easier access to the 17 acres of our main school site and all of its facilities.”
Oxford Lodge has undergone a renovation similar to that of the school’s neighbouring Nursery, which was refurbished in 2023.
The building includes a reception area, classrooms, dining hall, toilets and staff facilities, with each room carefully designed to meet the needs of younger pupils.
A new outdoor area, known as The Outpost, has also been created alongside the main school’s sports facilities and theatre.
Oxford Lodge officially opened at the start of half term.
Families interested in Lower Prep places can arrange a tour by emailing admissions@rydeschool.net.