The doors have opened at a new design and technology centre at Wellingborough School marking a key milestone in its ambitious 30-year vision for the future.
The Gateway Building, delivered by principal contractor Bowmer + Kirkland with architectural, interior design and civil engineering services from multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, has now welcomed pupils for its first full term.
Wellingborough School, in Northamptonshire, is considered one of the oldest schools in the country. To protect its heritage and enhance its future offering, it launched the Project Copernicus masterplan with the design and technology block forming the first phase of the scheme.
Designed primarily as a learning space, the new two- and three-storey Gateway Building brings together all aspects of technology in teaching, from computing and engineering to food and nutrition, product design and textiles.
Dora Vestito, associate architect at Pick Everard, said: “The Gateway building balances modern and traditional materials and finishes, creating a contemporary teaching space that feels firmly rooted in the character of Wellingborough School.
“The large glazed frontage brings natural light deep into the building, while the use of brick and stone deliberately reference the historic campus. Internally, materials such as oak skirting, architraves and handrails introduce a sense of craftmanship while contemporary materials such as black metal mesh in the acoustic rafts reflect the purpose of the building and its focus on design and technology.
“Understanding how the school operates was fundamental to our design. Working closely with staff and stakeholders, we identified the need to bring the workshops onto the main campus, resolving an important safeguarding issue while creating the first phase of the school’s wider masterplan. Drawing inspiration from engineering environments, university campuses and leading STEM learning spaces, we developed flexible classrooms with a variety of teaching and learning settings, including generous breakout areas.
“Spaces are visually connected, allowing students to see and collaborate across different subjects, from textiles to workshop-based projects. The result is a building that supports a more open, collaborative and adaptable approach to learning.”
The project has targeted a BREEAM Very Good rating for energy efficiency. This saw a fabric-first approach, with PV roof panels, natural ventilation and thermal modelling performance measuring helping to ensure optimum comfort levels for occupiers.
Mark Glover, Project Lead at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “This was a complex build due to the shape, size and level of detail required throughout. Close collaboration was essential, and it was great to work with the school, Pick Everard, and the wider project team to overcome challenges and see the building come together. One of my favourite spaces is the four ICT suites on the second floor, with the vaulted ceilings, it really is state-of-the-art. Seeing the finished building today makes all the hard work behind the scenes worthwhile.”
Wellingborough School headmaster Simon Hawkes said: “While lessons in computing and design technology are still an important part of the curriculum, there are spaces in the new building for textiles, product design and food and nutrition. Kitchen skills and teaching young people about nutrition and healthy living is vital and that can now lead to some alternative academic qualifications in sixth form for those looking to maybe go into hospitality or to study sports science with nutrition.”
Established in 1595, Wellingborough School has developed over the years to now offer nursery through to sixth form education for boys and girls. Project Copernicus sets out a long-term vision, ensuring that it continues to retain the character, vision and values that have defined the school for more than four centuries.
