Nuneaton Academy, Radnor Dr, Nuneaton. CV10

The project comprises the refurbishment and extension of a 950-pupil school, including provision for 75 post-16 students, following the merger of two institutions and their transition to Academy status. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the school had evolved through a series of piecemeal additions, resulting in a fragmented campus with poorly defined external spaces for social interaction and an internal layout that was convoluted, inefficient, and difficult to supervise.

view across the playground with colonnade, trees and pulis against the white rendered wall

pupils standing and moving around a playground with a white rendered building with rhythm of geometric shaped windows.

Our design approach responded to these challenges by strategically investing a limited budget across the entire site, with the aim of creating a cohesive and equitable learning environment. Central to the proposal is a new landscaped courtyard, which acts as an organising heart for the campus—bringing clarity, identity, and a sense of community. The scheme includes both internal and external refurbishment of the existing buildings, alongside a new two-storey teaching block. This addition accommodates five ‘house bases’, forming a secondary courtyard that strengthens spatial hierarchy and reinforces the school’s pastoral structure. Primary and secondary entrances were also redefined and enhanced, significantly improving legibility, wayfinding, and the overall arrival experience.

A key innovation in the project was the development of a framework of ‘refurbishment grades’. This methodology enabled each part of the estate to be carefully evaluated according to its condition, functional requirements, and desired quality of finish. By aligning investment with need, the approach ensured a balanced and efficient distribution of resources across the campus. It also empowered the Academy to make informed, strategic decisions about funding allocation, ultimately delivering a coherent, high-quality environment that supports both learning and wellbeing.