Shortlisted for the RICS 2019 Community Benefit Award, Hexham Priory SEN School provides essential educational and mental support for children with additional needs. Northumberland County Council recognised the growing number of children needing this support. They commissioned a 24-pupil extension on site to expand the school’s provision.
The new extension matches the material palette of the existing building to keep a consistent exterior. It adds three classrooms and associated ancillary spaces to cater for the pupil increase. These facilities follow BB102 guidelines for disabled children and children with SEN. The school also reconfigured the existing building to create a new welcome space for the extension. This update keeps the building’s current use and efficiency while integrating the new section seamlessly.
Learning space at the site also increased with a high-quality Sixth Form provision. The design includes an interconnecting common room that adapts to different teaching methods and pedagogy, continuing the existing fabric.
Through consultation with the school, the internal layout improves accessibility and lighting. Clear corridors connect the new classrooms, and the toilets meet the needs of the expanded pupil allocation. Visibility screens between corridors and offices help light the interior. Roof lights also bring in maximum natural light.
