by the early 1930s the buildings were overcrowded, and by 1935 pupil numbers had reached 288. wiltshire county council purchased hardenhuish park from the clutterbuck family to satisfy the educational requirements of the growing town. in 1938, the secondary grammar school moved from cocklebury road to new buildings (since demolished) on the east side of hardenhuish house. the old manor house became the headmaster's room, the school library and some classrooms. the new school extended over 40 acres (16 hectares) of hardenhuish park; new buildings contained a hall, gymnasium, laboratories, classrooms, and cloakrooms. in 1939, the preparatory department closed.