Peterchurch Primary School

This feasibility study evaluates the development options for Peterchurch Primary School in the Golden Valley, rural Herefordshire. It addresses issues relating to suitability and condition of the existing teaching spaces and awkward layout of the school site. In addition to outlining different strategies for the development of the school, central to this study is an exploration of how each of the strategies can support the school’s ethos and enhance its educational objectives.

The school currently has 122 pupils on roll. There is also a nursery located at the school site that is privately owned and run. This feasibility study was commissioned by Herefordshire Council to address issues identified with the condition of the fabric of the school buildings and practicalities of some of the current teaching spaces. The aim of this study is to establish suitable strategies that can provide a modern learning environment for the long-term future of the school.

The existing buildings were reviewed through spatial analysis of the existing teaching spaces and a condition survey of the building fabric. Observations were carried out of all classrooms over the course of a school day to review the condition and quality of the spaces and observe how classrooms.

Through workshops and consultation with the school community and Herefordshire Council, a ‘manifesto’ for the school was also developed, summarising the most important ‘key values’ of the existing school and aspirations for the new school. This formed a key part of the brief for design of all proposals.

Through assessment of the constraints and conditions of the existing site, a number of potential opportunities for expansion/development were identified. This resulted in three potential strategies for development- re-new, re-model and re-build.

Each strategy was evaluated against key objectives and assessed in terms of cost, programme, phasing, risks and how well each addresses the school’s teaching ethos and educational outcomes. Each strategy was then developed into an outline proposal.