Woodlands Meed is a new-build college designed to support 100 students aged 14–19 with a diverse range of physical and learning disabilities, including multiple learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and autism.
Replacing the outdated and unsuitable facilities of the previous site, this purpose-built campus sets a new benchmark for inclusive and accessible education.
The design of Woodlands Meed College was shaped by extensive collaboration with leadership, staff, students, governors, and families to ensure it met the needs of its users.
The new College enhances the learning experience by providing a mature, collegiate environment with a distinct identity from the nearby lower feeder school provision. Thoughtfully chosen materials and considered design foster a sense of progression and independence. The building offers a range of specialist facilities—catering, music, and design technology rooms—enabling students to access personalised learning and develop new skills.
Education
Faithful and Gould / West Sussex County Council
Burgess Hill, UK
£20m
2023
Flexible, practical classrooms support varied and evolving needs. While consistent in size for future adaptability, they feature different layouts tailored to complex learners, including hoisting systems, clear floor space for physiotherapy, and a mix of structured and workstation-based areas. Life skills are embedded across the College, from the common room with library and games area, to the enterprise kitchen serving staff and visitors.
Dedicated sensory, quiet, and therapeutic spaces connect directly with outdoor areas such as a sensory garden, sun terrace, nature trail and amphitheatre. This integration with the landscape enables both structured and informal external learning and social interaction, enhancing engagement and wellbeing.
A Multi-Use Games Area and two-court sports hall promote inclusive physical activity and community use. Together, these elements create a rich, adaptable environment that supports both students and educators in delivering meaningful, engaging and future-focused learning.
Beyond core educational use, the building offers extensive out-of-hours and community facilities. These include a two-court sports hall, all-weather pitches, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), hydrotherapy suite, and a fully equipped kitchen and enterprise space—encouraging wider use and generating long-term social value.
Environmental efficiency is embedded throughout. The college benefits from a highly insulated envelope, air source heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels—together reducing operational costs and supporting the school’s sustainability goals.
Together, these measures ensure the college will remain relevant, efficient, and supportive for decades to come, responding to both the needs of its students and the wider community.
“The project involved extensive collaboration with college leadership, staff, and students to ensure it meets user needs. Regular consultations and feedback sessions were held throughout the design and construction phases. The new facilities have transformed our educational environment, providing spaces that inspire both teaching and learning.”
