Greenford primary and secondary are best in London say RIBA

Two modern schools in Ealing have been recognised as among the best in the capital by the Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA)

The awards for architectural excellence were given to Ravenor Primary School and William Perkin CE High School, both in Greenford, at the 2015 RIBA London Awards on Monday 18 May.

The RIBA awards recognise the best in architecture from across the country. The schools were among other major winners, including the new Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road and the National Theatre on the South Bank. Both schools will now go forward to compete in RIBA’s national awards.

The £3.5million Ravenor Primary School project, designed by Seymour Harris Architects, was completed in 2013. Its new two-storey building increased the capacity of the existing school and created a modern, fun learning environment for local children. The block consists of classrooms, a small hall, staff room and informal teaching areas.

Colin Way, director, Seymour Harris Architects, said: "When designing primary schools there is a balance we seek to achieve between simplicity and refinement in architecture combined with a corresponding scale, playfulness and sense of adventure inherent in all young children.

“Working with an enthusiastic client and their conviction that places children at the core of their values, we developed the design to reflect a series of linked indoor and outdoor spaces within an overall site master plan. The project has been a joy to work on and it is a testament that the fun and creativity delivered in the project has been recognised with an RIBA Award. As architects, we are immensely proud to achieve this award and in the project itself.”

The £19 million William Perkin CE High School is a new school opened in September 2013 to meet demand from local families. Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, it is built on a challenging site right next to the A40. The materials used in the construction achieve a calmness and space conducive to learning.

John Southall, Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradely, said: ”We are delighted that William Perkin Church of England High School has been recognised by the RIBA awards.

“It demonstrates that inspiring and stimulating school environments can be created, despite the constraints of a tight budget, when a committed client and local authority work together with a dedicated professional team. These awards are highly competitive in London making this achievement even more significant.’

Councillor Binda Rai, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are immensely proud of these awards. These local schools have competed against big-budget projects from across London and judged to be amongst the very best.

“We know that good design impacts children’s learning and that is why, as a council, we demand the best from everyone involved in our school projects. Despite both projects being delivered on tight budgets, the end results are uplifting and provide inspirational environments for the children, young people and staff who spend a great deal of their time at school."

27th May 2015