Following a £160,000 revamp funded by its new multi-academy trust, Smestow Academy’s much-loved swimming pool has had its grand reopening.

When Matrix Academy Trust took on Smestow Academy in January 2023, they found the swimming pool to be unusable. A year on, the facilities have been completely overhauled.

Smestow Academy Headteacher Mr Chamberlain said, “For many in the area, this pool holds warm associations. But there had been no investment in more than five years. Bringing the pool back to life was a top priority when our trust took on Smestow Academy.”

Wolverhampton Councillor Wendy Thompson, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon to declare the pool open, revealed that her own children had learnt to swim in the pool. Councillor Johnathan Crofts was also in attendance and shared with the audience that he had himself learned to swim here 30 years ago.

The ceremony was also attended by Councillor Ellis Turell and the headteacher of nearby Castlecroft Primary School, Andy Dyall.

The school is seeking to provide local primary schools with the opportunity to use the facility, along with opening it up for use by the wider community.

Headteacher Mr Chamberlain said: “This reopening represents a milestone for our school, demonstrating our commitment to providing exceptional facilities that promote health, well-being, and educational enrichment.  This is another landmark in the rapid and sustainable improvement in the quality of education at our school since joining Matrix Academy Trust.

“The swimming pool has been a significant part of the school’s long history and a wonderful facility for the community for decades before. The project to bring the pool back to life has involved a full refurbishment of the changing rooms, showers, communal areas and poolside. It’s also required an overhaul to the plant machinery that runs the pool to improve efficiency and to increase the longevity of the pool. An upgrade to LED lighting and the addition of a pool cover has further reduced energy consumption, ensuring it can be run sustainably, decades into the future.”