The Study Preparatory School
Wimbledon, London
The Study Preparatory School occupies two sites in Wimbledon. Children from Reception to Year 3 are located at Wilberforce House on the edge of Wimbledon Common. Both sites have been updated to support the continued delivery of outstanding education at The Study.
At the Wilberforce site, a new reception leads to a welcoming exhibition space, which also acts as the hall foyer. A new performance hall, located to the front of the building, has retractable seating linking to a first floor gallery.
An inviting, naturally day-lit staircase leads to the upper floor where the library is located, in a prominent position placing learning at the forefront of the arrival to school.
Light and airy classrooms are arranged over two floors, overlooking the playground, with cloaks and toilets easily accessible from the classrooms. Direct access to outside space is achieved by the introduction of balconies at first floor level.
"The new Wilberforce House building has made a huge difference to our school community. The considered design of every space has made a tangible impact to our pupils' wellbeing and their learning experiences. It is wonderful to see girls nestled into the reading nook of the new library overlooking the Common and letting their curiosity and creativity flow in workshops in the fantastic performing arts space. The building fits in seamlessly with our green and natural surroundings on Wimbledon Common and is loved by pupils, their families and our neighbours on the Common. We believe that we have created something special that will enrich school life for our pupils for many years to come."Vicky Ellis, Head
Conservation area context
The school occupies a sensitive site within the Wimbledon West conservation area and Wilberforce House, the Octagon is Grade II Listed.
Our design has evolved taking influence from the existing context, the intention is that it is a sympathetic and contemporary translation of traditional local building forms, utilising crafted brick facades, pitched roofs and bay windows.
Light and bright
Double height windows march along the hall façade. Three traditional pitched gables articulate the classroom wing. The roofs project to provide both shade to the classrooms and the support structure to the first floor balconies.
The interiors are light and vibrant, with an airy and contemporary feel. Timber has been used to provide a feeling of warmth.
Nicholas Hare Architects have drawn up designs and plans for the new building which are both practical and inspirational, borne out of two years of getting to know the school and understanding its requirements and aspirations for its future.The Study School
Our Team
- Jayne Bird
- John Leonard
- Andrew Gowing
- Katherine Graham
- Alberto de Miguel
- Fiona McGarvey
- Alexandra Orfanou
- Tania Ostanina
- Ben Roake
- Janet Stapleton
- Sarah Williams
Project Team
- Client: The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon
- Project Management: Developing Projects
- Cost Planning: Castle Hayes Pursey
- Structural Engineer: Integral Engineering Design
- Services Engineer: Environmental Design Associates
- Landscape Architect: Katy Staton Landscape Architecture
- Sustainability Consultant: Sweco
- Acoustician: Sandy Brown
- Fire Engineer: The Fire Surgery
- Contractor: MCS
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