MORE than a century after it was built as a girls’ school in 1906, The Grange at Wellesley Park looks set to be returned to educational use.

Wellington School has bought the nearby Grade II listed Edwardian building subject to contract as a boarding house for about 20 senior girls from charitable housing association Abbeyfield.

The Grange, used as ‘assisted living’ accommodation for the elderly, closed in January, 2016, and was on the market with local estate agent Wilkie, May and Tuckwood at £485,000.

The home had accommodation for eight people but only three rooms were in use at the time of its closure, making it not financially viable.

Wellington School headmaster Henry Price said: “We are delighted to have acquired The Grange. It is a beautiful building which, with minimal internal development, will become a first class boarding house from September 2018.

“We are seeing a growing interest in boarding at Wellington from UK and international pupils alongside our day pupils.

“While boarding is not for everyone, I am a great believer in the enriching experience it provides, as well as developing a sense of independence as pupils look to life at university and beyond.

“We already have four houses providing weekly and full boarding at Wellington and it is our intention that The Grange becomes a senior girls’ house for about 20 pupils with the very best facilities as well as pastoral care.”

Mr Price added: “To have acquired such a wonderful property, just a few hundred yards from the school, will greatly enhance our boarding provision and I hope that it will also be a positive benefit to the wider community.”