Sponsored by Cornerstone
Presented to the establishment that has provided what is judged to be the most technically advanced building constructed for the purpose of teaching present and future pupils.
2026 Winner: Tulip Academy, Lincolnshire
Tulip Academy Spalding has recently celebrated the opening of its new purpose-built school building at the Waterside Campus on Neville Avenue in Spalding. The new two-storey facility replaces outdated accommodation with modern, specialist learning spaces for pupils and young adults aged 11 to 16 with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities. The project was delivered by Tilbury Douglas on behalf of the Department for Education and the Community Inclusive Trust, reflecting a significant investment in enhancing special educational provision in the region.
This contemporary building has been designed with pupils’ wellbeing and inclusion at its heart. It includes flexible, high-quality classrooms tailored to different learning needs, sensory and calm spaces, and areas that support both individual and group work. Sustainability has been a priority: the school meets Net Zero Carbon in Operation standards using features such as roof-mounted solar panels, natural ventilation with heat recovery units, cross ventilation and air-source heat pumps.
The opening was marked with an official ceremony attended by senior staff, pupils, and partners. Headteacher Mrs Tina Cox highlighted the building’s role in supporting the academy’s mission of “Making Every Moment Matter,” providing a bright, welcoming environment where all students can thrive academically, socially and personally
Commended
Charter School East Dulwich, London
The Charter School East Dulwich has recently completed and officially opened its new permanent building on the historic site of the former Dulwich Community Hospital in east London for the 2025–2026 academic year. This major redevelopment transforms the historic hospital site into a modern, purpose-built educational campus designed to support a vibrant learning community. The building offers larger teaching spaces, a dedicated sixth form study centre, bespoke music classrooms, and a spacious main hall, creating an improved environment for students aged 11–18. As part of the development, Southwark Council contributed millions toward a specialist Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) resource base, enhancing inclusive provision alongside the school’s overall capacity of approximately 1,700 places, including 480 sixth-form spaces. The redesign carefully preserves key architectural features while incorporating contemporary facilities that support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. The new campus reflects a collaborative effort by the Department for Education, Southwark Council, and the school community to deliver high-quality educational infrastructure and enrich the student experience across the borough.
Fern House School, Enfield
Fern House School in Enfield, North London, has recently relocated into a brand-new, purpose-built facility that marks a significant investment in specialist education provision for children with social, emotional, mental health needs and/or autism. Formerly known as Aylands School, the original premises were replaced with the modern building in 2025 following an £11 million investment by Enfield Council and the support of the Connect Education Trust.
The redesigned site provides a spacious and suitable learning environment, replacing the outdated former structures. It features nine modern classrooms, a dedicated staffroom, a main hall, and a fully equipped kitchen. Specialist facilities include sports and changing areas, outdoor play and landscaped spaces, all designed to support a broad curriculum and the diverse needs of Fern House students.
The new building supports up to 72 pupils aged 5–16, ensuring that local families have access to high-quality education closer to home as part of Enfield’s broader SEND strategy. The inclusion of sensory, social, and practical learning spaces reflects a focus on holistic development, tailored to individual needs. The opening of this facility has been celebrated as a major milestone in enhancing special educational provision within the borough.
Bedford Academy, Bedfordshire
Bedford Academy, a mixed secondary school and sixth form on Mile Road in Bedford, Bedfordshire, has recently completed a significant new building and expansion project designed to support the school’s growth and serve the wider community. The £12 million two-storey extension includes 16 state-of-the-art classrooms, modern changing rooms, a dining area, and a community café, enhancing both educational and social spaces on campus.
A key focus of the project was sustainability: the new building meets Net Zero Carbon in Operation standards, with features such as photovoltaic solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and high-efficiency building fabric that reduces heat loss. This modern facility supports Bedford Academy’s phased expansion plan, enabling the school to accommodate an additional 300 pupils and gradually grow to a total capacity of around 1,800 students by 2029.
Designed with flexibility in mind, many of the spaces can be used by the local community outside school hours, hosting activities like sports clubs, faith groups, and adult education. The extension reflects collaborative planning between the Bedford Borough Council, the school, and its partners and marks a major milestone in the school’s development.
Waltham Gateway Academy, North East Lincolnshire
Waltham Gateway Academy is a brand-new primary school in Waltham, North East Lincolnshire, that opened in September 2025 as part of the Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust — marking one of the first new school builds in the area in many years. The academy initially welcomed pupils in temporary classrooms but has now moved into its permanent purpose-built building following October half-term 2025. The handover of the new site on Sunningdale was a major milestone, with furniture, technology and outdoor play spaces installed ready for pupils’ return at the start of November. This modern facility replaces the temporary accommodation and delivers a high-quality learning environment tailored for children aged 4–11. It includes bright, spacious classrooms, specialist spaces designed to support inclusive learning, and play areas that encourage social interaction and physical development for all students.
Built in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and constructed by local contractors, the new school building is part of a broader drive to provide additional educational places in the community, including specialist provision for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Staff, families and pupils have celebrated the transition, noting the positive impact that the welcoming and well-designed environment has on students’ sense of belonging and engagement.
Callerton Academy, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Callerton Academy has marked a major milestone with the opening of its new purpose-built school building for the 2025–26 academic year. Originally opening in temporary accommodation in 2021, the academy moved into its permanent, purpose-designed campus in September 2025, following substantial investment by the Department for Education with support from Newcastle City Council.
The new facility reflects modern educational design and is tailored to support a broad, inclusive secondary curriculum. It offers contemporary classrooms, specialist spaces for subjects including science, art, drama, music and technology, and a central open-plan activity hub for dining and assemblies. A well-equipped sports complex including indoor halls, dance studios, outdoor multi-use games areas and extensive playing fields enhances both school life and community access after hours.
Designed with sustainability and wellbeing in mind, the building incorporates features that support low-energy operation and an engaging learning environment. It also includes dedicated areas for pupils with additional needs, ensuring the academy remains fully inclusive and responsive to its growing student population. The official opening ceremony in October 2025 brought together pupils, staff, community partners and dignitaries, celebrating the building as a foundation for future learning, creativity, and community engagement.
2025 Winner: Byrchall High School, Wigan
Featuring a bio-diverse green roof and a Biodiversity Ecological Enhancement Scheme, the structure at Byrchall maximises solar gain and uses photovoltaic panels for renewable energy. The double-height dining area connects to an outdoor quad with PV-covered canopies for recreation and performances. Modern learning spaces include five science labs, state-of-the-art technology and art rooms, music studios, and a large Learning Resource Centre. Enhanced sports and performing arts facilities, including a sports hall, MUGA, and amphitheatre, support enrichment, creativity, and student development.
Commended
Farringdon Community Academy, Sunderland
Farringdon Community Academy in Sunderland unveiled its state-of-the-art £22 million building in September 2024, replacing the outdated 1950s structure. The modern three-storey facility features spacious, well-lit classrooms, eight bespoke science laboratories, advanced IT suites, and a cutting-edge engineering room. A 300-seat hall with retractable seating and an adjoining drama studio enhance the school's performing arts capabilities. The open-plan design includes a large library, main hall, dining area, and a new swimming pool. A specialist learning area caters to vulnerable children and those with special educational needs and disabilities. This investment has significantly boosted student morale and academic aspirations, contributing to the school's best-ever GCSE results in 2024.
Belvidere School, Shropshire
Belvidere School's new £16 million, three-storey building was constructed on the existing playing fields as a state-of-the-art facility accommodating 900 students aged 11 to 16, including specialised classrooms and facilities for Special Educational Needs (SEN). The design incorporates sustainable features such as solar panels, aligning with low-carbon objectives. Following the transition, the old building was demolished to make way for new sports pitches and a car park. The official opening ceremony was held in September 2024, marking a significant milestone in the school's commitment to providing modern, eco-friendly educational environments.
Greatfields Primary, London
Located in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, Greatfields Primary is set to occupy a new, purpose-built facility adjacent to Greatfields Secondary School. This three-form entry primary school is integral to the Gascoigne Estate redevelopment, aiming to serve the growing community with high-quality educational spaces. The building's design emphasises sustainability and modernity, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, creative arts spaces, and recreational areas. Constructed using off-site manufacturing techniques, the project ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding area and reduced carbon emissions.
Orsett Heath Academy, Thurrock
Orsett Heath Academy's state-of-the-art, three-storey building spans 8,610 square meters, accommodating up to 1,200 students aged 11 to 16. Designed with innovative features, the facility includes collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining space, and a performing arts hub. The project also encompasses extensive landscaping, car and bicycle parking, new sports playing fields, and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). Constructed by McAvoy Group using offsite manufacturing techniques, the building was completed ahead of schedule, opening its doors to students in September 2024. This modern facility reflects the academy's commitment to providing exceptional educational environments for the Thurrock community.
2024 Winner: The Valley School
As part of Hertfordshire Council’s capital investment in SEN school places, The Valley School in Stevenage moved into its brand new £15.8m building in January. The new building reflects a commitment to sustainable, responsible growth with net zero carbon emissions. It features biodiverse green roofs and solar panels, while pupils have even been able to re-use timber offcuts from the construction to build bird boxes and bug hotels for the school site. It was completed as the council’s third Net Zero in Operation scheme.
Commended
Livingstone Academy, Dorset
Silverdale School, Sheffield
St. Leonard’s Primary School, Staffordshire
The Charter School, London
2023 Winner: Tring School, Hertfordshire
After two years of development and a £30 million investment, the Dobberson building opened in September last year and features an environmentally-friendly design which aims to bring the outside in. The new building features state-of-the-art laboratories, fingerprint scanning and climate control.
Commended
Bingham Primary School, Nottingham
Merstham Primary School, Surrey
Elizabeth Jones Literacy Hub at St.Damian's RC Science College, Lancashire
Tarleton Academy, Lancashire
The High School Leckhampton, Gloucestershire
2022 Winner
Addington Valley Academy, London
Commended
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Kent
The Skinners' School, Kent
Kidbrooke Park Primary School, London
The Howard School, Kent
2021 Winner
The Broxbourne School, Hertfordshire
Completed five months ahead of schedule, the state-of-the-art Broxbourne School comprises multiple buildings which feature a range of exciting new facilities including a new indoor sports hall, 3G football pitch, a multi-use games area including netball and tennis and The Broxbourne Music Centre, which will be available for use by the whole community. Pupils are returning in phases and when full, the eight-form entry school will cater for 1,500 in total, aged 11 to 18 including Sixth Form.
Commended
The King's School in Macclesfield
Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School
Harris Academy Clapham
The Sir Bobby Robson School, Ipswich
2020 Winner
Harris Academy Sutton
A new £40 million building makes Harris Academy Sutton the first secondary school in the country to meet the Passivhaus energy performance standard for the design and construction of energy efficient buildings. This uses around 80% less energy than equivalent buildings of traditional design. Concrete construction is used for the ground slab and first floor, with a timber structure above, and timber cladding throughout. The main halls are differentiated by copper cladding, which is entirely recyclable. Generously sized assembly and sports halls can be used out of hours by the local community.
Commended
Wroughton Academy, Norfolk
Great Western Academy, Swindon
High Weald Academy, Kent
2019 Winner
Bishop Chavasse Church of England Primary School, Kent
Headteacher Donna Weeks was heavily involved in the planning of Bishop Chavasse’s new building. Officially opening in April this year, the calm and spacious environment provides great opportunities for learning both inside and outside. The new library forms an integral part of the school, which features inspiring book areas in every classroom and breakout reading spaces. Comments from pupils and parent have been extremely positive.
Commended
Ysgol Glan Morfa, Cardiff
Built as part of Cardiff’s Band A, 21st Century Schools programme, the new £7.8m Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Morfa in Splott can accommodate up to 420 pupils across two classes per year, from reception class to year six, and provide 80 part-time nursery places. The two-storey design with approximately 2,500 square metres of floor space incorporates facilities for use by the wider local community including a multi-use games area and a room available for hire.
The Craylands School, Kent
Craylands new £1.9m building features eight classrooms and two group rooms with toilets and storage space. Outside the block is a new Multi-Use Games Area as well as additional car parking spaces. The new block is clad in buff bricks, similar to the existing school. External doors to the classrooms enable the spaces to open out onto the playground area. Louvered panels sit above a number of windows and doors to assist in the ventilation of the classrooms.
Woodmansterne School, London
In the design of Woodmansterne’s new secondary school, which provides 900 places, proximity to neighbouring properties and the relationship to the primary school informed the shape of the building whilst the opportunity for the community to access facilities outside school hours was an important consideration. Sustainability, ventilation and natural light in the development ensure that running costs are minimised.
St Edmund’s School Canterbury
St Edmund’s School’s new ‘academic hub’ is a 2.5 storey building providing seven classrooms, a mathematics studio, toilets and storage facilities. The new building replaces modular classrooms, forming a new public face for the school. The materials are different in format but similar in tone and elemental massing, reinforcing the relationship between the modern and the original 1858 Grade II listed Victorian school buildings.
2018 Winner
Hever Church of England Aided Primary School
Hever’s ‘Intelligent electric building’ is fully powered by electricity and therefore not dependent on fossil fuels. This removes the need for a gas supply in most instances. The annual electricity consumption for heating and lighting is around 30kWh per m2 per annum as opposed to 120kWh for a traditionally built alternative. This approach eliminates energy bills and carbon emissions associated with producing the energy that less intelligent buildings need to operate.
Commended
Eastbourne College, East Sussex
Reigate Parish Church Primary School, Surrey
Barr Beacon School, Walsall
Hawley Primary School, London
2017 Winner
Robert Gordon's College
Building the Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology involved refitting a historic building to house 34 laboratories and classrooms to make the largest UK teaching facility for science and technology education. Specialist facilities include an Optics Laboratory, Design Workshop and a Technology Showcase Suite.
Commended
Rendcomb College
Merchant Taylors' School
Donhead Preparatory School
Roseacres Primary School
Holme Grange School
2016 Winner
Chalgrove Primary School, London
Chalgrove Primary School responded to an increase in pupil capacity by using Schoolhaus’ ultra-efficient design to make the most of the need for new space. Zero running costs and a fully-integrated solar PV roof make the school one of the UK’s most efficient school buildings. This building is not only sustainable - it generates clean energy and revenue for the school. The build is impressive both on the inside and out.
Commended
Mellor Primary School, Cheshire
Epsom College, Surrey
Plymouth School of Creative Arts
Prestwood Infants School, Buckinghamshire
2015 Winner
Maidenhill School, Gloucestershire
Originally estimated at £14 million, the refurbishment work at Maindenhill, including a brand new building, actually cost £3.7 million. This was achieved through methodical planning and economical processes, including solar-reflective glazing and running the new heating system from the existing boiler.
Commended
Baxter College, Worcestershire
Ravenor Primary School, Greenford
James Gillespie's High School, Edinburgh
John Roan School, London
Burntwood School, London
