Sandbach charities had invested in land near Burslem, in Staffordshire, where coal was later found increasing its value substantially. Therefore in 1848 a private Act of Parliament was passed which included funding buildings for a new and enlarged grammar school through this. These were designed and built between 1849-50, with a Gothic style gatehouse or lodge, the main parts along the front with multi-coloured brickwork in Elizabethan style patterns.

Earwaker, J. P., The History of the Ancient Parish of Sandbach … (1890, London), p. 79.