Case Study - Croydon High School – LED Hockey Pitch Floodlighting Refurbishment
Project Overview
SJB Floodlighting completed a comprehensive LED floodlighting refurbishment at Croydon High School in South Croydon, upgrading the existing lighting system serving the school’s hockey pitch.
The project involved replacing the existing 16 metal halide floodlights with a modern Philips LED floodlighting system designed to provide a maintained average illumination of 350 lux with a uniformity of 0.70.
The works were delivered in coordination with Hunts Contractors, with SJB Floodlighting responsible for the specialist electrical and sports floodlighting installation.
About Croydon High School
Croydon High School is an independent girls’ school in South Croydon, educating pupils from 3 to 18 years old. Founded in 1874, the school is a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust and has a strong emphasis on academic achievement, personal development and participation in sport.
Hockey has a long association with the school, with its history including the establishment of a dedicated hockey field. Today, sport remains an important part of school life, with hockey among the school’s established team sports.
The school’s sports facilities include an all-weather hockey pitch and other outdoor sporting facilities, making reliable, high-quality floodlighting particularly important for training and competitive use.
Working with Hunts Contractors
The project involved coordination with Hunts Contractors, a specialist contractor with extensive experience in the construction and development of sports facilities.
Hunts Contractors provides services across areas including synthetic and natural sports pitches, macadam courts, athletics facilities, playgrounds, civil engineering and associated infrastructure. The company delivers projects from initial design through to completion and has experience working across a wide range of sports facilities.
Their involvement provided an experienced construction partner for the wider works at Croydon High School, while SJB Floodlighting delivered the specialist sports floodlighting element.
Existing Floodlighting System
The existing hockey pitch was illuminated using 16 metal halide floodlights.
As part of the refurbishment, the existing floodlights and operating gear were removed, while the existing cabling, switchgear infrastructure and controls were retained where suitable.
This approach allowed the existing infrastructure to be utilised while significantly modernising the lighting equipment.
Philips LED Floodlighting Installation
SJB Floodlighting installed 16 new Philips LED floodlights, comprising:
12 × Philips BVP 528 T35 A35-NB+LT
4 × Philips BVP 518 T35 A35-NB+LT
The new floodlights were accurately aimed in accordance with the lighting design to provide the required lighting performance across the hockey pitch.
The completed installation was designed to achieve:
Maintained average illumination: 350 lux
Uniformity: 0.70
The LED system provides a modern, efficient alternative to the previous metal halide installation while delivering the lighting levels required for hockey.
Electrical Works
The refurbishment included the removal of the existing operating gear from the base compartments and installation of new LED drivers.
New flexible connections were installed between the drivers and floodlights, with the existing electrical infrastructure reused where appropriate.
Each column was function tested following installation before the complete system was tested and commissioned.
Testing and Commissioning
Following completion of the installation, SJB Floodlighting carried out a comprehensive testing and commissioning process.
This included:
Function testing of each lighting column
Full system testing and commissioning
After-dark illumination level testing
Verification of the lighting performance
Provision of an illumination test report
Operational instruction for school staff
Electrical testing in accordance with BS 7671
Provision of the relevant electrical certification
The completed installation was also designed using professional lighting design software, allowing the proposed lighting performance and aiming positions to be assessed as part of the design process.
A Modern LED Sports Lighting Solution
The completed project provides Croydon High School with a modern LED floodlighting system specifically designed around the requirements of its hockey facility.
By replacing the existing metal halide floodlights with Philips LED technology while making use of suitable existing infrastructure, SJB Floodlighting delivered a comprehensive refurbishment that combines improved efficiency, modern LED technology and controlled lighting performance.
The Philips LED floodlights installed as part of the project are backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee, providing additional long-term assurance for the school.
