The Project

The design for Highfields and Penn Fields Schools creates a distinctive and inspiring learning environment. This will build on the school's expertise in innovative learning styles, with each of the learning schools arranged to provide a generous and clearly arranged mix of specialist, open and ‘didactic' teaching spaces so that all teachers and students have easy access to a wide range of learning opportunities.

Both schools are arranged around paired tapering wings of learning spaces with dramatic and generous heart spaces occupying double and triple height roof-lit and naturally ventilated volumes. These wings frame accessible outdoor classrooms and afford superb views over the existing landscapes across the site.

To create the single campus solution, the two schools are bound together via the campus core, which houses sports accommodation, co-location and community facilities. The core and main entrance is clearly signalled by the dramatic form of the projecting upper level performance hall, creating a memorable and imaginative character to the frontage of the building overlooking the pedestrian entrance plaza. The school sits neatly within the slopes of the existing site, with the large sports hall spaces nestled a storey level below the main entrance, visitors can enjoy the community café overlooking the sports spaces below.

The imaginative design of the schools and landscapes reflect the aspirational vision of both school communities and will provide an exciting setting, full of character, providing a superb learning experience for the students, staff and wider community.

Providing a superb learning experience for the students, staff and wider community