South London Swimming Pool Sold: Old Palace Site to RISE 2026

Key Points

• The swimming pool and Jubilee Buildings at the former Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon, South London, have been sold for £750,000 to RISE School of Excellence.
• The sale forms part of the ongoing disposal of the historic school site on Church Road, following its full closure in July 2025 due to financial difficulties and falling pupil numbers.
• Parts of the site had been sold off earlier, with this transaction marking the third sale of properties that once comprised Old Palace School.
• RISE School of Excellence, an educational charity established in October 2025, plans to return the swimming pool and Jubilee Buildings to educational use.
• Roisha Hughes, Chief Executive of the John Whitgift Foundation (JWF), expressed pleasure at the sale, noting the buildings will benefit community and educational organisations.
• The John Whitgift Foundation oversaw the disposal process after the school’s closure.
• The Old Palace of John Whitgift School, a historic girls’ school, ceased operations entirely in July 2025.

Croydon (South London News) February 10, 2026 – A swimming pool and associated school buildings at the former Old Palace of John Whitgift School have been sold for £750,000 as part of the continuing disposal of the historic site.<> The buyer, RISE School of Excellence, an educational charity launched in October 2025, intends to repurpose the facilities for educational activities. This transaction, confirmed last week by the John Whitgift Foundation (JWF), represents the third sale in the disposal process following the school’s closure in July 2025 amid financial woes and declining enrolment.

The sale encompasses the swimming pool and Jubilee Buildings on the Church Road campus in Croydon, South London. Previously, sections of the site had already been offloaded, leaving these as key remaining assets. The closure of Old Palace Girls School marked the end of its operations after years of challenges, with the final parts shutting down last July.

What Led to the Closure of Old Palace Girls School?

The Old Palace of John Whitgift School closed its doors in July 2025 due to mounting financial difficulties and a steady drop in pupil numbers. As reported in coverage by MyLondon News, the institution faced unsustainable pressures that forced the full cessation of activities. Earlier sales of site portions had already signalled the winding-down process.

No prior statements from school leadership on the closure specifics appear in available reports, but the context underscores broader challenges for independent schools. The JWF, as the overseeing body, managed the subsequent asset disposals to ensure orderly liquidation.

Who Purchased the Swimming Pool and Jubilee Buildings?

RISE School of Excellence acquired the swimming pool and Jubilee Buildings for £750,000. Established in October 2025, this educational charity aims to revive the sites for learning purposes. The JWF confirmed the deal last week, highlighting its alignment with community needs.

Details on RISE’s exact plans remain forthcoming, but their mission as a charity suggests a focus on accessible education. This purchase fits into the pattern of sales to organisations committed to public benefit.

What Is the Role of the John Whitgift Foundation?

The John Whitgift Foundation (JWF) facilitated the sale and has overseen the entire disposal of the Old Palace site. Roisha Hughes, Chief Executive of the JWF, stated: “It’s pleasing to have completed a third sale of the properties that comprised Old Palace School, and I am delighted that these buildings are being put to good use by a range of community and educational organisations working within our community. We wish them all well.”<>

As reported by MyLondon News, the JWF’s involvement ensures the assets transition to suitable hands. Their statement reflects satisfaction with the outcomes, emphasising community impact.

Why Was the Sale Structured This Way?

The disposal follows a phased approach, with this £750,000 transaction as the third in the sequence. Initial sales of other site parts preceded the full closure, allowing for piecemeal divestment. The JWF prioritised buyers like RISE to maintain educational or community utility.

Financial recovery appears central, given the school’s insolvency issues. No figures on prior sales are detailed, but the process avoids a bulk auction, preserving value and purpose.

How Does This Affect the Croydon Community?

The sale promises renewed educational use for the Church Road facilities, benefiting local residents. RISE’s involvement could introduce new programmes, filling a gap left by the school’s departure. Roisha Hughes of the JWF underscored this: the buildings now serve “a range of community and educational organisations working within our community.”<>

Croydon’s educational landscape shifts with this development, potentially enhancing access for underprivileged groups. Observers note the site’s historic value, tied to the Old Palace legacy.

What Is the History of Old Palace of John Whitgift School?

The Old Palace of John Whitgift School operated as a prominent girls’ institution in Croydon. Named after John Whitgift, it boasted a long-standing reputation before financial strains emerged. Closure in July 2025 ended its era, prompted by pupil decline and costs.

MyLondon News coverage links the site to broader JWF holdings, explaining the foundation’s stewardship. The Church Road campus, including the swimming pool, represented core infrastructure.

When Did Key Events in the Disposal Timeline Occur?

• Parts of the site sold prior to full closure.
• Final school operations ceased in July 2025.
• RISE School of Excellence founded in October 2025.
• Swimming pool and Jubilee Buildings sold last week for £750,000, confirmed by JWF.

This timeline, drawn from MyLondon reporting, illustrates a swift post-closure process.<> The July 2025 date corrects earlier site mentions of 2024, aligning with the definitive closure.

Where Exactly Is the Site Located?

The properties sit on the Church Road campus in Croydon, South London. This central location underscores its community relevance. MyLondon News specifies Croydon as the focal borough.<>

Proximity to local amenities positions it well for RISE’s plans. The historic designation adds cultural weight.

Who Is Roisha Hughes and What Did She Say?

Roisha Hughes serves as Chief Executive of the John Whitgift Foundation. Her full statement, as reported by MyLondon News, reads: “It’s pleasing to have completed a third sale of the properties that comprised Old Palace School, and I am delighted that these buildings are being put to good use by a range of community and educational organisations working within our community. We wish them all well.”<>

Hughes’ comments convey optimism, attributing positive reuse to community partners.

What Are RISE School of Excellence’s Plans?

RISE School of Excellence “hopes to return the sites to educational use,” per JWF confirmation in MyLondon News.<> As a new charity from October 2025, specifics on curricula or enrolment await announcement.

Their acquisition signals commitment to Croydon’s youth, countering the void from Old Palace’s exit.

Why Did Pupil Numbers Fall at Old Palace?

Falling pupil numbers contributed to financial difficulties, leading to closure. MyLondon attributes this trend to unstated market shifts affecting independent schools.<> No direct quotes from school officials elaborate.

Broader UK trends in education funding may parallel this, though unconfirmed here.

How Does This Fit Ongoing Disposals?

This marks the third sale, implying two prior transactions of other Old Palace properties. The JWF’s strategy disperses assets to diverse South London Swimming Pool Sold: Old Palace Site to RISE 2026

, maximising impact. Roisha Hughes highlighted this progression.<>

Completing disposals clears the slate for JWF’s future initiatives.

What Is the Financial Detail of the Sale?

The swimming pool and Jubilee Buildings fetched £750,000. This figure, verified by the JWF last week, aids recovery from Old Palace’s deficits. MyLondon provides the sole sourcing.<>

Valuation reflects market rates for educational real estate in Croydon.

Are There Any Community Reactions?

No direct reactions from residents or groups appear in reports. However, JWF’s Roisha Hughes anticipates goodwill, citing community organisations’ involvement.<>

Future RISE activities may elicit feedback.

What Next for the John Whitgift Foundation?

With this third sale, the JWF concludes Old Palace disposals. Their focus shifts to other charitable aims, per Hughes’ well-wishes. Ongoing community ties in Croydon persist.