Forewords

School buildings matter. They are the places where every child is encouraged to reach or exceed his or her potential. In that sense, they are the very foundation of the future social, cultural and economic wellbeing of our country. As professionals, architects understand that there is a deep connection between achieving these noble outcomes and designing the setting in which they are taught. Indeed, no other building type inspires and motivates architects more, which is why this book is so important.

The role of design in rebuilding the schools estate is at a crossroads. In lurching from inefficiency under the Building Schools for the Future programme to austerity under the Priority Schools Building Programme, good design – with all its off-balance sheet value - is at risk. The suspicion is that it will be replaced by a cookie-cutter approach that, while cheap, fails to deliver long-lasting value.

This book is a timely corrective, proving – if ever there was doubt - that there is a difference between cost and value. With luminous case studies of projects that have yielded measurable and substantial benefits, it demonstrates the importance of spaces that are fit for purpose not just for pupils but also for staff. It shows how schools must be capable of adapting flexibly to changing needs over time. And it shows how school buildings and their grounds can become assets that enhance their local community.

We know from our strategic ‘RIBA for Clients’ initiative that austerity can be the ‘grit in the oyster’ for remarkable, practical and appropriate creativity that only architects can provide. As the authors of this excellent book say, it is about ‘doing the right things, in the right way, with the right people’.

We all know that our work environment can make a massive difference to how well we perform. It says a lot about how our employers value us, supports new and effective ways of working, and contributes to our self-belief. Schools should be no different.

As a sponsor of academies, studio schools and university technical colleges, the Aldridge Foundation has been involved in new-build and refurbishment projects since 2004. We are ambitious for our students, wanting to provide them with learning environments that reflect our belief in their talent. Many factors contribute to the transformation of educational outcomes. Having fantastic staff and ambitious school leadership is critical, but we know that the quality of the learning spaces also makes an enormous difference. New or transformed school buildings can give a huge burst of energy to the process of permanent improvement; changing expectations and creating opportunities for learning through innovative design. I see them as pivotal to the long-term regeneration of an area.

We work in areas where prospects for young people when they leave education can be limited, and often the introduction of our entrepreneurial approach to education can be of most benefit to them. Every Aldridge Academy develops ‘Creates’, a space dedicated to fostering social enterprise, creating links with the local community and businesses, and offering training, advice and entrepreneurial challenge for students and community members. Working with innovative architects we have developed Creates to bring the community and world of work into our academies to enrich our students’ learning and their preparation for life.

Aldridge Foundation schools are designed around the needs of their local communities. This extends beyond the curriculum and enrichment we offer, and is about much more than sports facilities or meeting rooms. The way we design school spaces needs to keep changing to reflect the way in which the world has changed, if we are to help the next generation be ready for the challenges that life will surely throw at them.

I hope that the inspirational examples of best practice in this book will lead to the design of many more successful schools across the country. Our young people deserve nothing less.

Sir Rod Aldridge OBE
Chairman, the Aldridge Foundation