They are an all- ability school for 11 to 18 year olds based in the north of the city of Lichfield in buildings originally constructed in 1973.

Like most state schools, projects like refurbishing toilet facilities have to be phased over a number of academic years for budgetary purposes and The Friary embarked on such a project three years ago. Whilst it would be nicer to do them all at once, an extended programme has the advantage of allowing the school to see what works well and what, if anything, could be improved at the next phase.

The first to be completed was the 6th form boys toilets on the ground floor and previously these facilities had suffered from regular damage, graffiti and regular flooding caused by blocked sinks. Facilities Manager Keith Hodgkins decided to fit Hadrian Elite steel toilet cubicles and a Bradley Terreon three station Lavdeck, all supplied by Relcross in the UK.

The Hadrian cubicles are incredibly tough, being made of a steel outer over a honeycomb core to give great strength coupled with remarkable lightness. Finished in a powder coated pewter metallic colour, they also look extremely smart and a cut above the typical school toilet.

The Bradley Lavdeck is made of Terreon – a resin material that has the elegance of polished granite but the performance of stainless steel. It is chemical, stain, impact and scratch resistant and is very easy to clean and maintain. Any unlikely surface damage can be easily and inexpensively repaired. The three wash stations have individual infra-red time flow controls operating a water saving spray rather than the full flow associated with standard taps.

For even greater environmental savings they have also fitted Relcross Waterless Urinals, individually sited in Hadrian cubicles to provide privacy and allow the use of CCTV cameras in the main area of the toilets. This is for enhanced security for the students and protection from any potential bullying in an area away from continuous teacher supervision.

The walls have been finished in white ceramic tiles with an additional blue and black pattern providing a stylish feature immediately above the wash stations.

The experience of refurbishing the boys toilets gave them the confidence to repeat the exercise for the girls toilets. Keith Hodgkins said “The 6th form boys have really appreciated the improved facilities. Previously we’d been lucky to get two years service out of the toilet and washing equipment but now, after three years, damage has been virtually non existent. So it was an easy choice to stick with Relcross and repeat the specifications with appropriate adaptations for the girls toilets.”

These were installed by Keith’s own maintenance team at the beginning of this academic year and have been equally successful. The only differences between this and the previous installation was the change from urinals to more toilets and the use of pink ceramic tiles instead of blue to provide the splash-back feature.

Cleaning Supervisor Mrs Zenia Fairfield is delighted with the new facilities. “They’re very easy to keep clean. The wash stations have no little nooks and crannies to gather dirt, just a continuous wipe clean surface. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the toilets in the school being given the same treatment.” However, some of the credit for the excellent condition of the Friary School toilets must go to Mrs Fairfield and her team as they have recently been awarded a 5 star rating in the “Loo of the Year” awards.

Relcross Sales Director Stuart McMaster said “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with The Friary. They are yet another school that has proved that better facilities get treated better and last longer for the benefit of all concerned. It really doesn’t pay to cut corners on the specification of washroom facilities in schools.”