Thoresby Vale

Primary Academy

Harworth’s brief to our team was to design a forest school that places sustainability at the heart and can suit any site, regardless of typography. Inspired by the natural surroundings of the legendary Sherwood Forest and supporting Nottinghamshire County Council's net-zero carbon goals, the school's design focuses on fostering personal growth and development of its pupils.

Designed specifically as a forest school, the layout of the buildings maximises engagement and learning opportunities for pupils by offering the chance to explore and learn both inside and outside the classroom, surrounded by woodlands and wildflower meadows in specially designed teaching pavilions.

Nathan continued, "For both projects, the façade, we chose CupaClad, one of the most sustainable and durable options, perfectly suited for a school environment. We are incredibly pleased with the final result shown in Greenstone, which truly reflects and enhances the essence of the forest school concept, and this will also be reflected in Thoresby Vale Primary School."

Once complete, the one-form entry primary school will consist of four single-storey buildings, arranged as a series of pavilions, these include a hall and kitchen, administration facilities, and Early Years accommodations, all connected by a cloister to protect the school’s youngest pupils from the elements, with a junior pavilion standing separate. Internal corridors and connectivity have been removed and replaced with pathways, encouraging the children to interact with and explore the outside environment multiple times daily, offering flexibility and circulation in line with forest school principles.

The four pavilions will feature a combination of pitched and flat roofs, constructed from brick, render, timber, and slate rainscreen cladding. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roofing to maximise electricity generation and align with Nottinghamshire County Council’s sustainability ambitions. Once established, the pavilions will blend seamlessly into their surroundings and complement the new residential area surrounding the site, creating a contemporary and unique feel.

Each pavilion is specifically oriented to maximise the solar path and natural views, featuring aluminium double glazing and large clerestory windows throughout. This design enhances natural lighting in classrooms, promoting an optimal learning environment and reducing the need for electric lighting.

Upon approaching the school, the main administration pavilion will welcome its pupils and teachers by offering all the central services and preparation facilities required by teachers to lead their classes and provide respite. Additionally, a central and accessible library is available to all pupils and serves as a space for before- and after-school clubs, where children can gather. The main hall and kitchen pavilion provide the school with a larger gathering space suitable for lunches, plus indoor PE classes, and whole school assemblies.

The two teaching pavilions are organised around groups of four classrooms, offering flexible teaching opportunities through a range of spaces, such as group rooms and shared learning spaces, which offer flexibility for a variety of student needs. Each classroom will have direct access to the outdoors and external learning areas to encourage the pupils to learn about the world around them.

The design of the school has been future-proofed, allowing for the possibility of doubling the size to a two-form entry, accommodating an additional Form Entry, which would provide 420 school places, should local demand necessitate it.