Sited between suburban houses and woodland, the new Priory School accommodates 132 secondary students with severe, complex and challenging difficulties, and was the first purpose-designed ‘forest school’ in London. Working with architect Curl la Tourelle Head, the school’s vision of a communal and creative heart, including Internet café and gallery, as well as a hall, studio and therapies, was realised despite strict area limits.

The built environment of the school features roof terraces, a ‘sky walk’ into a large area of mature woodland, featuring a ‘woodland hub’, easing the transition to the beautiful natural setting. These valued spaces provide a range of learning opportunities, break-out space and quiet areas, extending the internal use of the building outwards.

“The building is everything I dreamed of and seems to work very well with the students and staff, which was the ultimate goal.” ~ Julia Furmanski, Chair of Governors.