Kitebrook Preparatory School, near Chipping Norton in west Oxfordshire, is conducting significant repair work which includes the roof and wider fabric of the building, which the school says does not require planning permission.

The changes for the listed building housing the prep school were planned to “prevent falling debris from high level” amid “problems with water ingress through deterioration over the recent years”.

A spokesperson for Radley School Groups said: “The decision to withdraw the previous planning application reflects a revised approach based on a better understanding of the material condition of the school’s buildings. Rather than replacing the roof, we are conducting significant repair work. Some of these repairs have already been completed and significant additional work to the roof and wider fabric of the building, which do not require planning permission, are planned for next academic year.”

“Separately, the redevelopment and refurbishment of the Orangery is currently under active consideration through a separate existing planning application, which has not been withdrawn. Radley Schools Group is committed to creating an exciting multi-purpose space in the Orangery that will enhance Kitebrook’s educational provision and benefit pupils across year groups.”

Water damage can be seen in and on the roofs as well as within the housemaster’s flat. The plans state: “Original features and fittings are retained and protected wherever practically possible.”

It concluded: “Works proposed are to ensure the longevity of the historic fabric and represent a major financial commitment by the school. “The replacement of the roof coverings are necessitated due to increasing issues with water ingress through the coverings in both the gutters and through the main roof. The roofing works proposed have been designed to current regulations. The stone repairs identified are necessary to prevent falling debris from high level to protect the building users. The repairs will be sympathetic to the historic building.”

Revised planning permission for Kitebrook Preparatory School

The school is run by Radley College and Prep Schools Trust, a group which also runs Barfield, Beeston Hall, Chandlings, Cothill, Mowden Hall and West Hill Park.

The Radley School Group spokesperson added: “The group is also continuing to invest in a number of additional facilities at Kitebrook. “A revised planning application for a larger all-weather pitch for hockey and other sports will shortly be submitted, building on the current approved application. Investment has already been made in 2026 to refurbish the tennis courts and improve outdoor play areas, and we are exploring opportunities to enhance the boarding provision and increase the number of classrooms within the main school building in response to growing pupil numbers and strong.” demand.

They added: “More broadly, Radley Schools Group is investing in a multi-million-pound package of works across the seven prep schools within the Group.”

“Over the next five years, more than £11 million will be invested in the refurbishment of existing facilities and the creation of new ones. At Kitebrook, the investment will focus on the Orangery project, the all-weather hockey pitch, and the potential expansion of teaching and dining facilities to support the continued growth and success of the school.”

Source: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26086228.uk-private-schools-major-building-revamp-plans-withdrawn/

Image: Kitebrook Preparatory School water damage (Image: Sidleys/planning portal)