All Saints' Academy

All Saints’ Academy is a church school for the community. It provides secondary education for 900 pupils and 250 sixth formers.

The striking form of the Academy curves around an impressive entrance plaza with a three-storey high glazed atrium, elegant canopy and copper-clad chapel welcoming visitors from all approaches to the site.  The vibrant entrance space is dominated by a sculptural stair which links curved open galleries at each level. 

The design developed around the concept of a hand, the atrium acting as a unifying device from which key internal and external areas can be accessed. The galleries within lead to three radiating learning wings providing most of the classroom accommodation. 

Staff spaces are placed along the galleries at the thresholds to the more private learning wings.  At ground level large internal windows provide views into the wings where display areas celebrate students’ work.  Above the reception area rises the distinctive conical form of the copper-clad chapel.  It acts as a visible beacon reflecting the Christian ethos of the Academy.

Externally, the areas around the building provide many opportunities that encourage outdoor learning.

Click here for the article in Dezeen featuring this project.