This new state school will be Britain’s first fully inclusive secondary school, welcoming children of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities. Known as JCoSS, it is a pilot project for parent-led schools. It will provide places for 1,310 students aged from 11 to 18 years, including a 50-place unit for children with special needs, and will offer first-class, state-of-the-art facilities.

The education facilities and other resources will be grouped around a central circulation and assembly heart. This configuration draws its inspiration from our commercial office projects such as BA, Diageo and RBS Headquarters. Key to the success of these buildings was the creation of spaces where people can not only work or study but also relax and meet. The teaching wings radiate towards the playing fields to capture views and good daylight while thematic courtyards between the wings serve as both break-time and outdoor learning spaces.

For the past two years RHWL has worked in close consultation with Norwood on the design of the special needs wing, which will provide a variety of resources for students with autistic spectrum disorders.

The sports and arts wing will be available for extra curricular community use.