Bedford School

Comprehensive review of Bedford School’s 50-acre heritage estate to uphold the education institution’s ambitious vision to provide inspiring learning environments and outcomes for students.

Client Bedford School
Sector Research & Education
Size 202,345m²
Location Bedfordshire

We were appointed to undertake a strategic review of Bedford School’s 50-acre heritage estate.

Founded in 1552, the independent boys’ school has maintained an ambitious vision for the estate throughout its history.

As learning environments and student expectations evolve, the school sought a comprehensive review of all facilities across its estate to elevate its offer and maintain it’s position as one of the UK’s leading independent schools.

School campus

Taking stock and uncovering opportunity

We meticulously assessed Bedford School’s estate from landmark listed buildings and later additions to infrastructure and open spaces.

Through a rigorous process of site investigations and optioneering, we set out to identify opportunities to enhance the school’s campus, refine operations and elevate learning experiences.

We started by evaluating the use, function and condition of existing buildings across desk, studio, laboratory and sports-based learning environments, as well as larger spaces for the school community to worship, perform and gather.

Our assessments highlighted where existing spaces were successfully supporting student and staff needs, could benefit from adjustments or needed a total re-think.

Assessing external and internal spaces

Mapping the estate

Proposals to upgrade and extend existing stock – including landmark Grade II and II* listed buildings – were carefully developed at a high level to increase their lifespan and relevance.

We also highlighted opportunities where additional buildings could be knitted into the heritage estate, introducing new kinds of learning and social spaces to enhance student experience.

The plan gave the school confidence that it could adapt to changing needs without compromising future development sites or overlooking better opportunities.

At a time when independent school roll counts were squeezed because of VAT introduction, this was important so Bedford School could act quickly on development plans as their future needs became clearer.

Nurturing independence

As a school for boys aged from 7 to 18 years, it was essential that the students’ experience supported their transition from school into independent life.

Bedford School’s ethos of raising good men is reflected throughout the campus, but the estates department had identified a need for a new sixth form centre to encourage existing boys to stay for Key Stage 5 and attract new students.

Our existing knowledge of the school estate, and potential development areas, meant we could move rapidly to create a viable proposal with the right engineers and consultants for the specific constraints of the site.

We saw potential in the sixth form provision to provide a higher degree of autonomy and independence to prepare students for independent life.

Credits

Architect Fathom Architects
Planning Consultant Bidwells
Project Manager Jackson Coles
Structure SD Engineers
Services Hoare Lea
Cost Consultant Jackson Coles

Project Information

Credits