Bagington Fields

SEND School

The brief was to increase capacity at Baginton Fields School from 117 to 207 pupils, significantly expanding the school’s specialist SEND provision. The project included a new teaching block, a replacement hydrotherapy pool, enhanced arrival and administration facilities, and a range of specialist teaching, therapy, and support spaces tailored to pupils' needs.

A key challenge was delivering the expansion whilst maintaining the day-to-day operation of the school throughout construction. The design needed to preserve valuable outdoor play areas, provide fully accessible learning environments and support a broad range of educational, behavioural and therapeutic requirements.

The project also sought to create a future-proof learning environment capable of adapting to changing demands, while supporting pupil wellbeing, staff experience and efficient long-term operation. Sustainability was central to the project, with ambitious environmental targets informing the integration of low-carbon technologies and high-performance building design.

Lungfish Architects developed a carefully considered expansion centred on accessibility, wellbeing and inclusivity. The new accommodation provides eight additional classrooms alongside specialist teaching spaces, therapy facilities, support areas and a replacement hydrotherapy pool, creating a cohesive and flexible learning environment that supports a diverse range of learning needs.

Working closely with school leaders, staff and stakeholders, the design evolved through a collaborative process that placed pupils at its heart. The architectural response draws on biophilic design principles, natural materials and a carefully muted palette of colours to create calm, supportive and engaging spaces. Colour-coordinated wayfinding supports intuitive navigation throughout the building, while enhanced acoustic performance, generous natural daylight and step-free access contribute to an environment that is welcoming and supportive for pupils, staff and visitors.

The new facilities integrate seamlessly with the existing campus, strengthening connections between indoor and outdoor learning spaces while maintaining safeguarding and operational requirements. The result is an inclusive and future-focused environment that supports learning, wellbeing and independence.

The development will increase specialist school capacity by almost 80%, representing a significant investment in SEND education and helping Coventry meet the growing demand for specialist school places.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the scheme, with air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and a high-performance building envelope working together to minimise operational energy demand and support long-term carbon reduction objectives. These measures will contribute to providing comfortable, healthy learning environments for pupils and staff.

The completed development will provide a modern, resilient and future-ready educational facility, bringing together specialist learning, therapeutic support and wellbeing-focused design. By balancing increased capacity with sustainability and accessibility, the project will provide lasting value for Baginton Fields School, Coventry City Council and the wider community.