Bloxham Grove Academy is a new special free school, for students aged 7-18 with cognitive, learning, social, emotional and Autism spectrum needs. In response to the local demand for additional special schools, The Gallery Trust, a Multi Academy Trust, dedicated to providing outstanding education and support for young people with SEND, will operate the new school.
Inspiring Learning Spaces: Designed by ADP Architecture, the academy provides exceptional external spaces, including outdoor dining areas, to all sides of the building, and secure ‘safe’ social spaces adjacent to each classroom. The new hall is also available for use by the local community, outside of school hours. The external areas include a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), external hard play areas, sensory gardens, kitchen gardens, and grassed sports fields.
Design Aligned with the Gallery Trust Ethos: Various interventions and therapies were considered, such as arranging the classrooms in clusters that reflect restorative behaviour needs and include calming spaces and simple signage to avoid overstimulation. Students can also engage in therapeutic sessions with assistance pets in dog walking areas to help ensure that they are emotionally prepared to learn and any barriers to learning are removed.
Project Successes: The project’s success metrics, such as achieving BREEAM ‘very good’ rating, completion on time with zero RIDDORs, and meeting client objectives, underscored our commitment to Delivering Excellence for this project.
Three Winning Facts:
- Tour for students and raising awareness within the local community. Aligned to the client’s values by having our own assistance dog called ‘Buddy’ on site, which had a positive impact on the workforce’s mental health and on the students who will also have their own assistance dog.
- Completed the project with Zero RIDDORs, on time, right first time with no defects at practical completion and achieved our client’s key objectives.
- CCS 47/50 score and winning the CCS National Site Award.
