Peterchurch Primary School
Herefordshire, UK
project overview
A welcoming learning environment balancing accessibility, safety and practicality
Peterchurch Primary School is a new-build, single-storey educational facility designed to provide pupils and the wider community with a better, more supportive environment in which to learn and grow.
To meet the demands of modern primary education, the new school will accommodate 210 pupils alongside a dedicated 26-place early years nursery. Our design prioritises inclusive, future-ready learning environments that support pupil wellbeing and academic achievement, with integrated SEN provision woven throughout to ensure that children with additional needs can access tailored support within a nurturing, fully inclusive setting.
We’ve also planned for a workforce of 25 to 30 staff, giving the school the capacity to develop with confidence and creating long-term social value for children, families and the wider community.
We intentionally moved the communal areas to the front to create a vibrant, accessible hub for Peterchurch, while keeping the classrooms tucked away in the quieter, greener parts of the site. It’s designed to feel intuitive and I’m proud that we managed to balance that complexity with a sense of calm."
Clive Breese
Project Director, Shrewsburydesign concept
A design rooted in community, connection and care
Shared spaces need to feel welcoming and easy to access, so we placed the school hall near the entrance. This enables local people to use it more comfortably as a community resource, while helping the rest of the school remain calm and secure.
The layout also supports a smoother school day for families. We positioned the nursery and reception classrooms at the front of the building, making drop-off easier for parents and carers and creating secure, dedicated play areas close to the youngest children’s classrooms.
To ensure that older pupils benefit from a quieter setting and a stronger connection to outdoor learning, we located the Key Stage 1 and 2 classrooms at the rear of the site, where they have direct access to the playing fields and outdoor learning spaces, while the main teaching areas remain settled, safe and focused.
At the heart of the school, a bright, top-lit library hub creates a warm and uplifting focal point near the entrance, drawing natural light into the plan and giving children, families and colleagues an immediate sense of welcome.
Flexible teaching has also shaped the layout. Breakout areas and practical spaces are arranged throughout the building, while naturally lit corridors connect them and help the school feel open, intuitive and enjoyable to move through.
A calm, people-focused setting was equally important across the wider site. By tucking the kitchen and plant rooms discreetly to one side of the building, we keep vehicle access away from the main pedestrian areas and help the grounds feel safer and more welcoming.
Team
Meet the team behind the project
Clive Breese
Director, Architecture
Oliver Davies
Architect, Architecture
Contact
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