Shipston High School, Warwickshire: From Tired Tarmac to a Modern Multi-Sport Surface

21st November 2025

Shipston High School’s outdoor courts had reached the end of their life. The old tarmac was cracked and worn, the perimeter edging was failing, and the lighting and fencing no longer matched the standard of sport the school wanted to deliver. Synthetic Turf Management (STM) were appointed to transform the area into a modern, multi-sport facility – combining new synthetic turf surfacing, LED floodlighting, upgraded fencing and freshly painted courts with clear, multi-sport markings.


New Synthetic Turf Surfacing

STM replaced the tired playing surface with a high-performance synthetic system designed for intensive school use.

Key elements included:

  • New 25mm open-textured porous macadam – providing a free-draining, stable base for the new surface 

  • Shock pad installation – a preformed pad to improve player comfort and safety 

  • TigerTurf Evo Pro surface – a durable, sand-dressed synthetic turf with long warranties, ideal for netball, hockey, tennis and general PE 

  • 12kg per m² sand infill – carefully brushed in to support the pile, stabilise the surface and deliver consistent ball performance 

  • Perimeter detailing – nap lock carpet gripper edging and kickboards to protect the surface and create a clean, professional finish

The result is a safe, free-draining and hard-wearing surface that can cope with daily school use and community sport.

Aerial view showing the refurbished blue synthetic courts alongside the repainted green multi-sport courts at Shipston High School.


LED Floodlighting Upgrade

To extend usable hours and improve visibility, STM delivered a full LED retrofit lighting scheme designed to achieve 350 lux across the playing area.

The lighting upgrade included:

  • New Siteco FL11 LED floodlights

  • Removal of the existing floodlights and replacement of protective equipment 

  • Upgraded switching and full light testing

Where suitable, existing columns and cabling were re-used, providing a cost-effective route to modern, energy-efficient lighting. For schools wanting even more control, a wireless switching system can be added as an optional extra.


Fencing and Perimeter Protection

To protect the new investment and improve ball retention, STM:

  • Upgraded sections of perimeter fencing where required 

  • Installed kickboards around the edge of the synthetic turf

This combination keeps balls in play, reduces impact on the fencing and improves both safety and the overall playing experience for students.


The completed blue synthetic surface with clear netball and multi-sport line markings, ready for PE and fixtures.


Refurbished Painted Courts and Line Markings

Alongside the new synthetic turf area, STM refurbished the neighbouring hard court to maximise the school’s usable space:

  • Jet washing the existing tarmac 

  • Painting the full court green

  • Applying new line markings for 3 tennis courts, 2 netball courts and hockey

Cracked areas of tarmac were cut out, drained, treated with tack coat and resurfaced with open-graded macadam to restore a safe, free-draining surface.

A 2m x 2m logo mat with the school crest at the entrance adds a smart finishing touch and reinforces school identity every time students step onto the court.


A Long-Term Investment in School Sport

The completed works at Shipston High School have turned tired tarmac courts into a modern, multi-sport facility with:

  • High-quality synthetic turf surfacing 

  • Energy-efficient LED floodlighting 

  • Robust fencing and kickboards 

  • Freshly painted courts with clear, multi-sport markings

For Shipston High School, this is more than a facelift – it’s a long-term investment in PE, school sport and community use.


Get in Touch With Us Today

If your school’s sports facilities are due for an upgrade, STM are here to help. From synthetic turf systems to full lighting, fencing and court refurbishments, our team deliver safe, durable and high-performing surfaces that students can rely on.

Whether you’re exploring early ideas or ready to plan your next project, we’re always happy to offer guidance.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements, request a site visit or get a no-obligation quote.



16th January 2013

Synthetic Surface News