The design shown is a two- or three-storey building for 1200 pupils aged 11 to 16. This is a compact and efficient building form, with all but the sports facilities in a single block, reducing circulation distances and facilitating links between departments.

Other key features of the design are given below.

  • The sports hall suite is a separate block, and could be replaced by an existing sports building if one was available.
  • All general and practical teaching spaces are 7.8m deep. 
  • The dining space provides a central focus and can be used as a milling space during the school day and - in conjunction with the hall and drama space - for after-school events.
  • Voids bring daylight into the corridor and the backs of classrooms. They also act as ventilation stacks providing natural ventilation particularly in the summertime.
  • Teaching spaces wrap around the central zone of dining, hall and drama.
  • Departmental staff bases and offices are dispersed ensuring easy access from teaching spaces and supporting passive supervision.
  • Toilets are grouped centrally for efficient servicing; this is possible because travel distances are shorter in this type.