The Newark Academy

The Newark Academy was the first of two schools in the Nottinghamshire PSBP Capital Batch that we completed with Kier.  The other is Serlby Park Academy.

The design includes novel features for a PSBP superblock which attempt to overcome the challenges imposed by the limited budget. The use of central courtyards, (developing from NHA's successful design for the Ormiston Victory Academy in Norwich) maximised daylight and enhances wayfinding around the deep plan building. 

The environmental strategy established a new single sided approach using perimeter mixing units proposed by NHA and developed by Breathing Buildings. This met the stringent Education Funding Authority requirements for fresh air and heat recovery as well as daylighting.

The design responded to the Head’s wish to provide a mix of learning spaces. Five open plan ICT spaces are provided adjacent to each of the major departments. The single storey dining area has been wrapped around three sides of a large courtyard so that it has natural daylight throughout. A second, more intimate, courtyard provides an external learning space adjacent to the LRC and SEN rooms.