City of London School, Queen Victoria St, London. EC1V

Rock Townsend were commissioned by the City of London School through the Scape Framework to deliver a major refurbishment project aimed at enhancing key areas of the school’s estate. The works encompassed the reception, library, general offices, and a range of support spaces, with a focus on elevating both functionality and spatial quality.

study area within the library, oaks tables and bookshelves

view of the City of London School from the Millennium Bridge

Working in close collaboration with the City of London Corporation, the School, and a broad group of stakeholders, the design team undertook an intensive briefing process to fully understand operational needs alongside ambitions for a more contemporary and uplifting environment. This was delivered within an ambitious, fast-track programme - progressing from initial briefing through to handover in just five months. In response to these programme pressures, the team were subsequently novated to Kier Construction to support the delivery phase and ensure design continuity on site.

The transformation of the main reception is central to the project’s success. The space has been carefully reconfigured to enhance accessibility and address heightened security requirements, achieving a refined balance between robustness and openness. The result is an environment that discreetly integrates necessary protective measures while maintaining a welcoming and legible point of arrival for pupils, staff, and visitors alike.

The library has undergone an equally significant reinvention. Reimagined as a light-filled, dynamic learning hub, the space now benefits from increased natural daylight and a rich variety of study settings, ranging from quiet, individual work areas to more collaborative and informal zones, alongside dedicated seminar spaces. A key architectural intervention is the introduction of a full-height acoustic glazed feature wall, which both visually and physically opens the library to the wider school. This element also serves as a curated display, embedding artefacts and historically significant books within the fabric of the space—celebrating the school’s heritage while supporting a forward-looking model of learning.