The project creates a single conjoined facility for an SEN school (for children from 4-18 with profound and multiple learning difficulties from across the city)  and a mainstream primary school with community facilities. Combining the schools has mutual educational and facility benefits whilst maintaining each schools identity.

The schools share a large site in Bilston in a former coal mining area. The site is in an area of high deprivation. Through close consultation we were able to transform a flat featureless site into a dynamic environment for learning.

In the design we have established an inclusive, safe, and therapeutic environment, designed to offer multi-sensory stimuli and freedom of contact with nature for observation and learning. A horticulture programme for post-16 pupils provides an opportunity to develop skills for life and work. An inclusive design ‘woodland walk’ provides pedestrian circulation around the school and connects facilities.

BREEAM Rated ‘Very Good’
BCSE Excellence in Design for Teaching & Learning: SEN - 2011

Client:     Wolverhampton City Council
Architect:     Architype