The extension and major refurbishment to Kentish Town Primary school exemplifies inclusivity, thoughtfully designed to support all students while conserving the integrity of the historic Victorian school.
The existing school was suffering from critical issues including inaccessible circulation, a lack of progression and insufficient provision for Autistic students.
Education
London Borough of Camden
Kentish Town, London
£2.3m
2011
During the briefing process, the senior leadership and design team explored various options.
They considered establishing a standalone space for the autistic children at the edge of the school site or a dedicated space within the existing building.
Ultimately, they opted for a comprehensive reappraisal of the entire school to ensure every space met the needs of every child.
To enhance inclusivity, a combination of new construction and refurbishment ensured that all classrooms are the largest permitted within DfE guidelines, providing ample space for diverse learning activities. Each classroom features direct access to the outdoors, complemented by covered outdoor spaces.
New group rooms and personal care areas, along with a dedicated sensory room and improved acoustics throughout the school, further enhance the environment, ensuring that all students can thrive.
The intelligent extension and major refurbishment have transformed the space into a welcoming environment that prioritizes accessibility while respecting the integrity of the existing Victorian school.
This whole-school approach to accessibility facilitates true-inclusion, with neurodivergent and neurotypical students learning side-by-side, all students benefit from a diverse, shared learning environment.
“The mainstream children at our school develop passion, understanding, and empathy. They learn to support their peers with different needs, but they don’t see them as different. It prepares them to be inclusive adults, and that is something truly special.”
