Iffley Academy

Location
Oxford
Client
Kier Construction for ESFA
Value
£9m
Completion
2019
Size
3050sqm

Enabling unique learners to reach their full potential

A new Special Academy for 135 students aged 10-18 with complex special educational needs: primarily CLD, ASD and/or SEMH.

The new building has barn-like massing, with one wing extending up into a pitched roof containing attic offices and ‘privilege’ vocational training rooms.

The cruciform footprint separates four courtyards – the entrance, a secure space for outside teaching, a private space outside the hall and a secure area for therapy dogs. Additional ‘safe’ external spaces include a horticultural garden adjacent to an animal care pavilion and a workshop shed.

The local community will have access to the hall and dining room on the ground floor. There will be a hospitality area run by the students.

Surrounded on three sides by mature trees extending into a secure woodland, the new building will have a robust, warm red brick base below grey and turquoise cladding. Neutral and subdued colours avoid sensory overload for the majority of ASD students.

The school will continue to operate during construction. This will be particularly challenging for students who have little concept of risk or who dislike change. To mitigate this, we proposed to prepare videos for the school explaining the construction sequence and illustrating the final experience of the completed school.

Stride Treglown has worked hard to provide us with excellent designs that not only meet the requirements of a new build, but that are considerate of the special educational needs and disabilities of our students. This is an immensely exciting time for our school and it has been great to have the support of a well established team to lead us through the process.

Tom Procter-Legg – Head Teacher, The Iffley Academy