School gym expansion at St Patricks Catholic College
"From the first suite to this expanded facility, Gym Gear understood exactly what we needed as a school. The new space allows us to deliver high-quality PE lessons and provide structured strength and conditioning support for our teams. It has elevated what we can offer our students."
— Malcolm Dickinson, Head of P.E.
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The Challenge
The original fitness suite quickly became one of the most used areas within the school.
High curriculum uptake, strong engagement from extracurricular teams and increased interest in structured strength and conditioning created pressure on capacity. Classes had limited space to train together, and competitive teams required more consistent access to appropriate equipment.
Without expansion, the school risked restricting participation, limiting progression opportunities for talented athletes and reducing the broader wellbeing impact the facility was designed to achieve.
The Solution
Gym Gear worked closely with the college to translate its ambitions into a practical, education-focused training environment. The design reflected the realities of timetable-based teaching, safeguarding, supervision and multi-level ability groups.
The expanded facility was structured around clear training zones:
Half racks and lifting platforms to support structured strength development and team preparation
HIIT cardio stations to increase class throughput and maintain engagement
Selectorised resistance equipment to build confidence for beginners
Traditional cardio machines to support inclusive, curriculum-based delivery
The layout ensured safe movement between zones, clear lines of sight for staff supervision and flexibility to transition between whole-class instruction and small group training. Equipment selection prioritised durability, ease of use and long-term reliability, supported by Gym Gear’s in-house engineering and service provision.
The Result
The expanded facility now accommodates full PE classes while maintaining dedicated provision for competitive teams.
Teachers can deliver varied, engaging sessions without compromising safety or supervision. School teams benefit from structured strength and conditioning support within their own environment. Participation has remained high, and the facility continues to play a central role in promoting healthier habits across the school community.
By building on the proven success of the first installation, St Patricks Catholic College now has a scalable, future-ready training space that supports everyday participation and performance pathways alike.
