Priory School, Croydon

• Learning
• London Borough of Croydon
• £10.6m
• 2015

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. 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.

The buildings three storey height was turned to advantage with Post-16s and a life skills flat on the top floor, roof terraces, and ‘sky walk’ into the wood. A single-storey ‘woodland hub’ eases 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.