State school's rowing club wants £750k for training base

One of the school's rowing teams won the Forest Cup at the national schools' regatta last month

A state school’s top-performing rowing club has launched a £750,000 fundraising drive to build its own riverside base.

The Windsor Boys' School Boat Club (WBSBC) in Berkshire won four golds at the National Schools' Regatta 2024 last month.

The club currently operates out of the privately-owned Mike Tovell Training Centre (MTTC) near Windsor Marina but wants to buy it so it can refurbish the facilities.

It is asking members of the school community and others to buy a slab from £250 to help "create pathways to success".

The school’s director of rowing, Mark Wilkinson, said it would cost about £750,000 to purchase the land and refurbish the facilities.

“By securing MTTC we hope to create a rowing facility to provide the basic needs for the boys to continue to grow and flourish, as well as building a clubhouse that could be used by the wider community for events and business hire,” he said.

Headteacher Sean Furness said the school’s rowing club “punches well above its weight".

“But it's not just about gold medals or regattas, we’re creating an inclusive and aspirational club that allows students opportunities they might never usually get.

“We’re a force to be reckoned with and that brings so much to the school – leaving a legacy of team spirit and inspiring a younger generation of boys,” he added.

“As a state school, this fundraising will give WBSBC the facilities they need to continue these phenomenal achievements. Your contribution will empower the boys to reach their potential, breaking barriers and creating pathways to success.”