Maidenhill School is a mixed comprehensive for ages 11 to 16 with around 550 pupils. It had performing arts specialist status, but the existing buildings were outdated and required refurbishment.
A brief was developed during an extensive consultation process with the school, and the result was to re-clad, re-glaze and re-roof the existing building to improve its environmental performance as well as the aesthetics of the school.
Materials were selected to achieve a contemporary appearance, for ease of maintenance, and to be easily replicable for future additions to the site.
“This project has helped to transform our school. The school has undergone significant improvements in so many ways and the students, staff, parents, and community are justifiably proud of their school.”
After 18 months of building work, a full transformation inside and outside was complete. To achieve a focus on community, the refurbished school includes a flexible ‘heartspace’ that incorporates social spaces and a relocated learning resource centre. We introduced a new student entrance to relieve pressure on the main corridor, as well as improving external circulation routes. The school’s ICT provision was reorganised and social spaces were improved.
In 2014, the development won three Constructing Excellence Awards: Best Value (National) and Collaborative Working (Regional) and Value (Regional). The transformation received excellent feedback from staff, students, parents, and the community.
