Project News
Plans submitted for a new purpose-built, post-16 free school at Thorpe Park Leeds
by Robin Dixon
Associate Director, Architecture
We're delighted to share that plans have been submitted for the scheme, helping to meet the growing opportunity and demand for post-16 education across Leeds.
The building will provide up to 1,000 post-16 places and offer a mix of A levels, T levels and other technical and vocational routes, supporting a wide range of future pathways into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
Our proposals also include a welcoming entrance area with seating for students, colleagues and visitors. Landscaped walking routes will connect the building with its surroundings, while a proposed cycle lane and 120 secure cycle storage spaces will support active and sustainable travel. Vehicle access will be provided from the eastern boundary, with 43 car parking spaces, two minibus spaces and four motorcycle spaces included within the proposals.
Sustainability is central to the design. The building is intended to achieve net zero carbon in operation, with a target of BREEAM Excellent. Low-carbon and energy-efficient systems will be considered from the outset to help reduce operational energy use and associated emissions.
The college will also add an important education use to the emerging Thorpe Park masterplan, complementing the retail, leisure and workplace facilities already in place.
Explore more in the flythrough below.
This project is an opportunity to create a sixth form college that feels welcoming, practical and connected to its setting. We have focused on making the building easy to understand and comfortable to use, while using simple forms, natural daylight and durable materials to create a positive place for students, teachers and the wider community.’"
Gurminder Sanghera
Project Director, ArchitectureWe’re pleased to have reached this important project milestone, adding to our experience of designing modern, sustainable education buildings across a range of scales. Our longstanding sector knowledge helps us create places that support wellbeing, encourage community use and adapt to changing needs over time.
Learn more about Thorpe Park College
To find out more about this project or to simply have a conversation about your next education project, please get in touch
Frequently asked questions
The project proposes a new sixth form college with modern teaching, study and shared spaces. The building will be mainly arranged over four storeys and will include a clear, welcoming entrance.
The proposed college will have a simple, contemporary design with a light-coloured brick façade, metal or composite window framing and carefully considered vertical detailing. The design aims to create a strong identity while fitting comfortably into its surroundings.
Generous natural daylight, clear planning and comfortable teaching and study spaces will support focused learning and everyday college life. The building will also connect with its landscape setting to create a positive environment for wellbeing and social interaction.
The design includes durable, low-maintenance materials and a focus on long-term building performance. Natural daylight and practical, achievable sustainability measures will help create a healthy and future-ready education building.
We have experience across the full education sector, from nurseries and schools to colleges and universities. Our multidisciplinary teams bring together architecture, landscape design, interior design, building consultancy, project management and other services to support projects from early strategy through to delivery and long-term asset management.
Posted on:
Sept 14th 2026
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