The project involved the renovation of Leonard Mannasseh’s original Grade II School in Penfold Street, and adding new nursery, primary and secondary teaching spaces and dance/performance facilities. These buildings have been sponsored by the charity Absolute Return for Kids.
Under the GBP25 million ($37.5 million approx) scheme, Ian Ritchie has designed a brand new infant school for 180 reception and key stage one pupils with a sixty place nursery. A multi-use games area with flood lighting, and a new sports building with indoor sports facilities and equipment are also featured.
The original Grade II listed buildings, previously the North Westminster Community School, designed by the award winning Festival of Britain architect Leonard Manasseh in 1960, have been extensively refurbished and expanded.
The cladding of the new school buildings has been designed in response to the vertical rhythm of the existing teaching block.
The school is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and is operated by ARK Academies, a registered charity under English law, and sponsored by parent charity Absolute Return for Kids (ARK).
