BAPS bought the Old Palace site after its closure. They plan to invest in education, community programs, and facilities.
The prep and primary school closed in July. It was a high-performing girls’ school for many years on Melville Avenue in South Croydon. Financial problems led to the John Whitgift Foundation closing it. The Old Palace senior school, in historic Old Croydon, will also close soon and is for sale. This school has a 130-year history and used to be a private girls’ school.
The closures caused worry in September 2023, and the sale of the lower-year schools brought some relief. BAPS, a large Hindu community in the UK, runs education and outreach programs. Their headquarters are at the Neasden Temple.
BAPS said they will expand local programs and offer facilities for residents. A large part of the space will be for schools, with special needs education getting particular focus. The gym and sports areas will be improved, and local schools and groups can hire them.
BAPS will improve parking at the site, upgrading the existing amenities. They plan to reduce traffic in the local area compared to when the site operated as a school previously.
BAPS is happy to invest in the site’s future, restoring its role for learning and promoting community spirit. They support members through their programs, and the space lets them expand services, creating an inclusive place for everyone.
The JWF is pleased about the sale to BAPS, as closing Old Palace schools was very difficult. They are glad the site will still be used for education. BAPS already exists in Croydon, and the JWF wishes them well at their new base.