Oswestry School opens new £1.5m state-of-the-art performing arts centre
The opening of the centre coincides with two major anniversaries for the school in 2026
A prestigious independent school in north Shropshire celebrated the opening of a brand-new state-of-the-art performing arts centre.
Oswestry School officially opened its new Grove Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, September 5.
The Grove, as it is known, cost £1.5 million in donations to build.
The last contribution towards this, a figure of £60,000 donated by a benefactor, was handed over to the school on the morning of the official unveiling on Saturday, the school said.
On Saturday, the school hosted a special ‘Curtains Up’ event to mark the opening.
In attendance were notable guests such as North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan, members of Shropshire Council and Oswestry Town Council, as well as the Shropshire Lieutenancy.
Guests were treated to drinks at The Gittins Family Terrace and entertainment, whilst overlooking The Grove’s freshly landscaped grounds.
The Chair of Governors at Oswestry School, Peter Wilcox-Jones, cut the ribbon which declared The Grove officially open.
An Oswestry School spokesperson said: “The Grove Performing Arts Centre will provide an exceptional environment in which Oswestry School pupils can discover and develop their talents across music, drama and dance.
“Its impact will also extend far beyond the School, with the theatre, studios and rehearsal spaces creating exciting opportunities for local performers, groups and members of the wider community.”
They added: “The official opening celebrated an extraordinary collective achievement and offered heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the vision for The Grove.”
“With the ribbon cut, the fundraising target achieved and the doors officially open, the stage is now set for an exciting new chapter for Oswestry School and the community.”
Following the opening ceremony, guests were allowed to tour the new state-of-the-art performing arts centre.
They viewed the centre’s stage, auditorium seating, its specialist studios, changing rooms, rehearsal spaces, and additional facilities.
The Grove was built by the local construction company Jones Brothers.
Oswestry School is celebrating its 620th anniversary of its founding in 2026, and its 250th anniversary of it moving to its current Upper Brook Street location.
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