Generous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled the restoration of the beautiful wooden shields which had once been an important feature of the building. These were removed for protection whilst the building work (re-roofing) was in progress. The shields were painted with texts and mottos urging religious adherence and good living; they formed an important feature in the early days of the school’s life, but over the years the varnish covering the painting had darkened so that it was almost impossible to read the inscriptions.


Painting conservator Edwin Bowes was contracted to undertake restoration. This involved removal of layers of varnish to reveal the brightly hand painted scrolls and texts.


Three new shields reflecting the contemporary aims and use of the building were created and installed alongside the old.