Design success for school

A Liverpool school has been recognised nationally for its architectural credentials.

The Society for Construction and Architecture in Local Authorities (SCALA) award ceremony highlights excellence in design and construction across the UK and Four Oaks Primary School has topped the list.

Four Oaks Primary School in Everton was highly commended with judges saying: “The bold use of natural light floods the reception area and sets an uplifting tone for the whole school.

“At its heart there is a unique cone shaped hall which is surrounded on two levels by innovative teaching and recreational spaces.

“ The first floor play decks and external landscaped courtyards complete the creation of a safe and uplifting learning environment.”

Assistant Mayor, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Four Oaks Primary is a brand new building, opening only three years ago in 2012, and gives pupils the opportunity to learn in state of the art surroundings which has been making a positive difference to their education.”

Four Oaks Primary School was formed from the federation of Hope Valley and Breckfield Primary Schools. The two storey building was designed by the city council’s design joint venture partnership, 2020 Liverpool.

Outside there is an extensive play area providing a “park like” setting, and the first floor has access to an internal “play deck” with large roof lights to let in large amounts of natural light and sunshine.

Four Oaks headteacher, Sara Robinson, said: “We are over the moon, firstly to have been shortlisted, but then to go on to be highly commended is a real honour.

“We’re massively proud of our school and both the staff and children find it an inspirational and enjoyable place to work and learn.
“When the SCALA judges came to the school for a site visit a couple of months ago they could clearly see the impact this new building was having on everyone which is why we received such a commendation.

“Since the accolade, we have been approached by another local authority which was so impressed by images of the school, their team want to come and see it for themselves and maybe look to replicate the model in their own area which is hugely rewarding for everyone connected to the school.”