the school grounds occupy some which is a good portion of the village of st bees, and the oldest buildings date from the late 16th century. the original schoolroom was used as one of the dining rooms before closure, and it is surrounded by the 'foundation' block, which was mainly built during the mid part of the 19th century. as one moves north east along the valley, the buildings generally get progressively newer, ending with the science block and the management centre. most of the buildings are either built with or faced by the distinctive red sandstone which is characteristic of the buildings at the school. school house is located on the main site, but the other boarding houses are all located across the railway tracks to the south - grindal in a large former hotel, while the other three houses occupy the whole of londsdale terrace, a row of houses owned by the school. the school also owns a building just across the road from the main school, which was occupied by the music department. the priory church was used by the school for major services throughout the year as the chapel was too small.