PACT Educational Trust has put the former Oakwood School in Croydon on the market with a guide price of £6m.
The 4.6-acre freehold site provides approximately 26,630 sq ft of existing floor space, including the Grade II listed Coombe House, which was built in 1761, and an 18th century ice house.
The school also benefits from a license agreement with the London Borough of Croydon for use of an adjacent six acres of sports pitches.
The site was originally built as a residential home and has since served as a convalescent home for army officers, the country’s first school for children with cerebral palsy and a residential care home. Most recently, it has housed independent schools, including The Cedars School and Oakwood School.
Its versatile nature opens up a range of possibilities for future educational or alternative uses.
Jasper Upton, associate in the education and charities team at Knight Frank, which has been instructed to market the opportunity, said: “This sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold property with a rich educational heritage and significant development potential in a sought-after London location. It’s expansive grounds and additional sports facilities makes this an exceptionally versatile asset.
“Its location offers excellent connectivity to central London while providing a spacious, green environment adjacent to 114-acres of park land – a rare balance that that is increasingly hard to find in today’s market.”
Adrian Forastier, trustee of PACT Education, added: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Knight Frank to market our exceptional Grade II listed property in the form of the former Oakwood School. Although it is with mixed feelings that we offer this treasured site for sale, our changing needs have made it clear that now is the right time for new perspectives.
“We hope that the new owner will respect the rich educational history of the property and continue its use as a learning institution. Nonetheless, we recognise the site’s vast potential for other uses and remain open to possibilities.”
