What is the Wellfield Academy project?

Wellfield Academy in Leyland is part of the GenZero national pathfinder schools initiative, delivering a sustainable, nature-led secondary school. The project replaces the existing school with a modern two-storey commons block and a three-storey teaching block, connected by a first-floor bridge to create flexible learning spaces that prioritise student wellbeing and biophilic design.

How many students will Wellfield Academy accommodate?

Once completed, Wellfield Academy will provide up to 900 student spaces, supporting a thriving school community. Our design includes flexible classrooms, outdoor learning areas, landscaped courtyards and grass sports fields to enhance both academic and physical wellbeing.

What sustainable and nature-led design features are included?

The school incorporates biophilic design principles, including natural materials, calming palettes, clear outdoor views, covered outdoor classrooms and landscaped social spaces. These elements promote student wellbeing, reduce stress, improve concentration and encourage outdoor and active learning. The project is designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation, setting a benchmark for sustainable school buildings in the UK.

Will the redevelopment disrupt current students?

The Wellfield Academy project is being delivered in phased construction, ensuring continuity of learning and minimal disruption for students. Existing facilities will remain functional while new buildings are completed, supporting a smooth transition to the upgraded campus.

How does Wellfield Academy fit into the GenZero scheme?

Wellfield Academy is one of five GenZero national pathfinder schools across the UK, alongside Woodside Primary School in Hertfordshire. These schools demonstrate low-carbon, sustainable design, combining flexible modern learning environments with nature-led principles and stand as a model for future environmentally responsible education buildings.

AHR School Wellfield Architecture Leyland 10

Project News

Planning approved for Wellfield Academy, one of five GenZero national pathfinder schools

Min Read

by AHR

We're delighted to share that planning approval has been granted for the redevelopment of Wellfield Academy in Leyland, one of five secondary schools in the UK part of the GenZero initiative.

We have designed the secondary school as a truly sustainable learning environment, putting nature-based learning and student wellbeing at the centre. It will see the replacement of the existing school on the same site, bringing together a two-storey commons block and a three-storey teaching block linked by a first-floor bridge to create a seamless, flexible space.

A phased development will ensure continuity for students, protecting their learning and keeping disruption to a minimum. Once complete, the new space will offer:

900 student spaces - supporting a thriving school community
Flexible classrooms - enabling adaptable and modern learning
Main hall and activity studio - accommodating events and activities
Grass sports fields - promoting physical health and teamwork
Landscaped courtyard - offering a calm social space
Outdoor classroom - enriching learning outdoors
Outdoor dining areas - providing fresh air eating spaces

We’re very proud that the project has received planning approval. It’s a significant step in delivering truly sustainable schools.
This milestone also sets a strong benchmark for future education projects and reflects our commitment to creating inspiring, nature-led environments that support wellbeing and enrich learning.”

Imran Kassim

Project Director

Nature-led design in practice

We have approached every space with biophilic principles in mind, ensuring students remain connected to nature throughout the school day. Classrooms will benefit from clear views of the outdoors, while natural materials and a calming, muted palette will create a soothing, grounded environment that brings the outside in.

Our design also features a covered outdoor classroom, enabling students to enjoy outdoor learning in all weather conditions. Enhanced sports facilities will encourage active play and a centrally located courtyard with a variety of social spaces fosters collaboration and connection among students. Together, these biophilic features will help reduce stress, improve concentration and promote wellbeing for both students and staff.

Project director Imran Kassim recently shared further insights into the school’s distinctive, nature-led and sustainable design at the Education Estates Conference.

Read his insights from the event here

Learn more about Wellfield Academy

AHR School Wellfield Architecture Leyland 5

AHR School Wellfield Architecture Leyland 7

The mark of a new era for the school

Shaping an enriching and meaningful learning environment

The mark of a new era for the school

Shaping an enriching and meaningful learning environment

We’re delighted to share this latest project milestone, and we invite you to follow our social media channels to stay up to date with all our latest project news, sustainable design insights and practice updates.

Did you know?

We are also proud to be delivering Woodside Primary School in Hertfordshire, another of the five GenZero pathfinder schools. Both Woodside Primary School and Wellfield Academy have been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon school design, sustainable education buildings and the future of environmentally responsible construction across the UK.

If you’d like to speak with a member of our team about how we can support you in shaping a sustainable, modern, and inclusive learning environment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.

Frequently asked questions

: Wellfield Academy in Leyland is part of the GenZero national pathfinder schools initiative, delivering a sustainable, nature-led secondary school. The project replaces the existing school with a modern two-storey commons block and a three-storey teaching block, connected by a first-floor bridge to create flexible learning spaces that prioritise student wellbeing and biophilic design.
: Once completed, Wellfield Academy will provide up to 900 student spaces, supporting a thriving school community. Our design includes flexible classrooms, outdoor learning areas, landscaped courtyards and grass sports fields to enhance both academic and physical wellbeing.
: The school incorporates biophilic design principles, including natural materials, calming palettes, clear outdoor views, covered outdoor classrooms and landscaped social spaces. These elements promote student wellbeing, reduce stress, improve concentration and encourage outdoor and active learning. The project is designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation, setting a benchmark for sustainable school buildings in the UK.
: The Wellfield Academy project is being delivered in phased construction, ensuring continuity of learning and minimal disruption for students. Existing facilities will remain functional while new buildings are completed, supporting a smooth transition to the upgraded campus.
: Wellfield Academy is one of five GenZero national pathfinder schools across the UK, alongside Woodside Primary School in Hertfordshire. These schools demonstrate low-carbon, sustainable design, combining flexible modern learning environments with nature-led principles and stand as a model for future environmentally responsible education buildings.