Race Cottam design cutting edge Doncaster school

Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates have created a cutting edge design for the new Sir Thomas Wharton Community College, in Edlington, Doncaster.

The new school was officially opened in front of stakeholders and dignitaries, including the design team from leading Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates.

Race Cottam, who thanks to recent and ongoing school schemes have earned a national reputation for being at the forefront of contemporary educational design, gave the school an innovative look.

This design is now being hailed as a proud icon for modern educational best practice.

The layout has been specifically designed to enhance the views over the surrounding countryside, whilst giving the school a strong visual identity.

Pupils have also been performing admirably since moving into the new building, recognised by and an Ofsted report in .

Headteacher Mary McCorry, said: "The opening of Sir Thomas Wharton Community College gives us not only the opportunity to experience education in a state of the art environment, but also the chance to create a new identity and vision for the future.

"The new school building provides a modern, inviting, adaptable environment in which our students can thrive, whatever their individual strengths and interests.

"It is with great pride and pleasure, therefore, that we moved forward with a bright new vision for the future in which Sir Thomas Wharton Community College truly is a school at the heart of our community".

An impressive three story 'heart space' is a key feature of the new building.

Specialist teaching spaces including IT suites, a learning resource centre and a study centre surround the 'heart', emphasising the school's specialist areas of business and enterprise.

Teaching spaces have been designed to maximise the available natural daylight, thereby making them inviting and stimulating for students.

The school's sports facilities have also been improved dramatically, with the inclusion of an activity hall, fitness suite, full size sports hall and outdoor all weather pitches.

Project architect Mark Copley said: "The project has aimed to provide a new secondary school building of high quality and design, creating inspirational education spaces for teachers and pupils, as well as facilities for use by the wider Edlington community.

"This was a very exciting project which again has proven the capability of the practice to deliver innovative and sustainable designs in the education sector to a demanding programme and budget".

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