The Rosalind Franklin Science Centre was opened in May 2022 to strengthen our STEM offering with six cutting-edge labs, as well as prep rooms and offices. Scientist Dr Caitlin Higgott, of the Rosalind Franklin Institute in Oxford, formally opened the facility.  

Delivering a first-class learning environment for students and staff, thescience facility comprises six science labs, two preparation rooms and further offices, helping us to truly cement ourselves as a STEM centre of excellence. An array of rooftop photovoltaic solar panels is generating electricity to help power energy-efficient lighting and heating systems within the ‘Franklin’ building.

Students were asked to nominate inspirational scientists to name the facility and a school-wide vote led to the centre being named in recognition of one of the unsung heroes of 20^th century Science, Chemist Rosalind Franklin.

Half-way point - October 2021

The window frames are now in place and the glazing is expected to be fitted by the end of the month, making the building watertight at the half-way point of 22 weeks into our 44 week build. We can see the teaching space taking shape now as internal walls have been constructed.  

We are about to launch the final voting round of a competition to name the new Science Building, with some excellent suggestions of female British scientists having been put forward by students. 

Autumn progress - September 2021

The cladding is now largely in place and the building should be watertight next month. It's great to see the new science facility looking so advanced and for us to see the new Ribston Hall landscape unfold. 

Summer progress - July/August 2021

We can now see the final form of the building, enabling us to visualise how it will sit within the school landscape. We can't wait for our budding scientists to use this cutting edge facility next Spring. 

Building progress - June 2021

The foundations are now laid for our new science centre, with the first upright steels being fitted this month. It was a grey day outside, but not for us here as we watched a milestone moment in the build unfolding. 

Architectural imagery - May 2021

We're pleased to be able to share with you some new imagery of how our new science centre will look once it's completed next Spring. We broke ground for the new building in the middle of May. 

Planning Permission granted – November 2020

Ribston Hall High School was granted planning permission by Gloucester City Council to build a new science block to provide state-of-the-art facilities for use by all of our young scientists.  This new stand alone accessible building will be situated on the south side of the school site and will provide accommodation for six laboratories, including two spacious prep rooms and office space.