The project enabled co-location of the existing 1FE Ronald Ross Primary School and 72-place Greenmead SEN Primary School on the Ronald Ross site, undertaking associated demolition and external works.

The new building is designed to accommodate students with physical disabilities, incorporating accessibility and access measures, including a hydrotherapy pool, specialist hoists and equipment.

Located on a confined site, a key aim was to reduce the building footprint, requiring an optimal balance of building scale and height. The solution provided a three storey “L” shaped building which takes advantage of the extreme level changes across the site creating two levels with direct access to the ground level.

The school’s main entrance is situated at the centre of the building, between the two schools. Pulled away from the road, a dedicated pedestrian path runs between the vehicular access and Ronald Ross early years play area. Separate vehicular access is provided for vehicles with disabled access. A draught lobby is provided to protect the building entrance area from extreme weather, whilst also creating a third secure line within the entrance area. Both schools have general offices facing the entrance lobby area as well as a shared central reception desk area.

The three halls have been designed to work as a single large space or series of smaller spaces to suit various requirements of both schools, such as dining, PE, school performances and assemblies.

The school has a hydrotherapy pool, used extensively by the Greenmead children. Extensive use of track hoists facilitates movement and care of the students. All doors through which track hoists pass were made 2.5m tall so track can run straight through.  

To support play space requirements, an element of roof play has been introduced above the Ronald Ross wing. This space will be used for safe play as well as external classrooms for teaching outside. Feature brickwork was used, with addition of perforated peepholes from the roof terrace

The project achieved BREEAM Very Good with passive ventilation, high-efficiency boilers and low energy lighting systems.

“What a pleasure it has been working with your team. Nothing has been too much trouble… including daft questions I sometimes raise, all answered with patience. [Neilcott Site Team] have also forged brilliant relationships with the children…visited the school council, as well as allaying any fears that our parents may have had at a recent coffee morning…your team are a credit to Neilcott”                                                           Julie Meredith – Head Teacher, Ronald Ross School