Private School News

NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SIXTH FORM CENTRE AND DINING HALL READY FOR STUDENTS AT NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

Work has been completed on a new £4.5m state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre and dining hall at Nottingham High School.

The scheme has been designed by Nottingham architects maber and constructed by Derby based contractor G F Tomlinson Building and representatives from all parties involved in the development gathered to celebrate the handover of the building to the school.

Located in the West Quad area at the heart of the school’s buildings, the centre boasts spacious and modern facilities for both senior school and sixth form pupils. A 400 capacity dining hall with new kitchen facilities is situated on the ground floor, leaving the current dining hall for junior school pupils. The first and second floors have a coffee bar and large, bright social areas for the Sixth Formers to enjoy. A bridge also connects the social area to the library.

The roof itself is an eye catching feature. Enclosing the West Quad, it is covered in translucent cushions, similar to those used on the Eden Project. Perimeter glazing between the existing high level walls and the underside of the new roof allows it to visually ‘float’ above the new walls, allowing plenty of natural light into the complex and creating a pleasant learning environment for students to study in relax in.

The materials for the new facilities include timber wall panelling, glazed balustrades and a striking white painted mezzanine, which both contrast with, and complement, the existing buildings.

To ensure that the new development is as environmentally friendly as possible, the enclosed quad maximises the opportunities for natural light and natural ventilation. It also has under floor heating which is able to run at a lower water temperature than more conventional radiators and long life construction materials have also been used.

“The completed building looks fantastic,” said Kevin Fear, headmaster at Nottingham High School. “The centre offers our pupils the best possible facilities alongside our excellent teaching resources. This is an exciting time for the school.”

Simon Middlecote of Maber said: “This has been a great project to have been involved in and we are really pleased with its finished design. As a practice we have a lot of experience working on projects in the education sector and feel proud that we can add this development to our portfolio. The centre provides students with first class learning facilities in a modern and fresh environment.”

Stuart Lawrence, director and general manager of G F Tomlinson Building commented: “G F Tomlinson are delighted to have been part of such a unique and prestigious project at Nottingham High School. The scheme required great care due to the interface with a live occupied school environment and the detailing of the scheme, particularly the roof construction. We have extensive experience in the education sector and are happy to utilize this to provide students with a state of the art facility that all the school can be proud of.”