The Old Gym | School Buildings

The School Site

School Buildings

Dinnington has 22 buildings on site, more buildings than most schools - this is partly due to the ambition of the school board to show the region what comprehensive education could look like. Whilst in a fairly unappealing town, the school itself boasts many facilities independent institutions have, or even wish they had. As well as buildings, there are interesting structures that exist in ruin, some predate the school and town altogether. This page lists buildings by age.

The Crypt

In the school woods is the crypt (although it is not technically a crypt, more of a folly). The age of the crypt and its purpose is unknown. Built in the medieval style, it stands in ruins near to the former groundskeepers house and the old library. It coined the phrase 'in the crypt' meaning 'in trouble' or 'detention'. The crypt has hundreds of names carved into the stonework by former pupils, it is well worth a visit if you find yourself back in the woods.

(State: Moderate Ruins)

Dinnington Hall

The birthplace of the school was at Dinnington Hall, and the building still stands to this day. Children were taught by a widowed woman, Ms Agatha Fallow - it gave way to the school today, albeit on a new site.

(State: Standing; Inactive)

Throapham Classrooms

The Throapham Classrooms housed 8 classrooms. Built in the Edwardian Style in the 1800s, they were demolished in the 70s.

(State: Demolished)

Throapham Bar

A remnant of the manor, this gate was passed to the school with the land it was built on. It formerly made up a grand gatehouse. Unfortunately much of the stones were used in the construction of the school's air raid shelters, little of the gate remains. 'Bar' comes from 'barre' (Old French), meaning a gate or obstruction.

(State: Severe Ruins)

The (Old) Postern Gate

The Postern Gate gives its name to the current (less ornate) iron gates next to Segrave House. This picture was taken in the early 1900s, stones have mysteriously been removed from the structure since then. The gate is now overgrown with vegetation in the school woods. Postern literally means a 'Back' or 'Side' entrance.

(State: Severe Ruins)

The Upper School (College Hall)

Distinguished by its classic clock tower, college hall was the first building erected on the new campus. Originally home to technical subjects, the building now operates in a college capacity.

(State: Standing; Active)

The Old
Dinnonians

Alumni Community

The School Site

School Buildings

The Old
Dinnonians

Alumni Community

Visit the current school website