Sited between suburban houses and woodland, the new school accommodates 132 secondary students with severe, complex and challenging difficulties, and is 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 cafe and gallery as well as hall, studio and therapies was realised despite strict area limits. Within the built environment of the school are roof terraces, a ‘sky walk’ into the wood and a ‘woodland hub’ easing the transition to the beautiful natural setting.
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.