Historic school invests to open new boarding house
A Hereford school is set to significantly expand its international programme after agreeing a £1.9 million funding package from Lloyds Bank.
Read time: 5 mins Added: 05/07/2019
Hereford Cathedral School, an independent co-educational school for pupils from the ages of 3 to 18, has opened a brand-new boarding house, enabling it to welcome new pupils from across the globe.
Situated in the fully refurbished former How Caple Grange Hotel, the 1,310 sq m Georgian boarding house can accommodate up to 29 pupils.
Lloyds Bank provided 75 per cent of the funding for the project, with the remainder coming from school funds.
Building international links
The school dates back to 1384 and is one of the oldest boarding schools in Britain.
Having ceased boarding twenty years ago, the school has housed overseas students with local families since 2012.
The new boarding house aims to boost the number of overseas pupils able to attend the school, as well as allowing UK pupils the opportunity to board.
“This new boarding house will play a huge part in ensuring that our international students are happy, integrated and have all the support they need to thrive with us.”
Paul Smith, Headmaster, Hereford Cathedral School

Paul Smith added: “Lloyds Bank has been by our side throughout the project, understanding the educational advantages that our international links bring to our pupils, the school and the wider community.”
The investment comes as part of Lloyds Bank’s pledge to lend £18 billion to UK organisations in 2019, with £2.5 billion specified for firms across the Midlands.
“We’ve worked in partnership with Hereford Cathedral School for 30 years now, supporting it throughout its growth.”
Mark Smith , Relationship Director, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking
Supporting school’s growth journey
Mark added: “In our increasingly international society, a well-rounded, multicultural education has never been more important. We are proud to have helped the school take the next step on its journey.”
All lending is subject to status.