Eden Academy Trust

Moorcroft School, part of the Eden Academy Trust, is a purpose-built secondary school for young people with severe learning difficulties.

In the Lower School focus is on developing pupils’ communication, literacy and numeracy skills, whilst in the Sixth Form great pride is taken in helping young people become more independent so they can face the challenges of adult life. 

The project involved the architectural design and construction of a single-storey double classroom extension, complete with a connecting corridor, at the school’s site in West London. RAM Building Consultancy was appointed as Principal Designer, Architectural Designer, Contract Administrator, and Planning Consultant, leading the project from feasibility through to completion (RIBA Stages 1–6). The works were carried out by R1 Construction, with a focus on delivering a modern, efficient, and inclusive educational environment.

The extension was to be delivered on an operational school site catering to students with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Working within this sensitive setting posed logistical and safeguarding challenges. As this was to be carried out in a school where disruption could be particularly detrimental to students, and the students’ specific sensory needs had to be catered for, we liaised and engaged with all stakeholders throughout the detailed design stage of the process.   

The proximity of residential and educational buildings added further complexity, requiring careful planning and execution to minimise disruption. Moreover, a lack of detailed information on the original school’s construction added technical uncertainty, necessitating site investigations to confirm foundation compatibility and integration with existing systems.

A Modern Method of Construction (MMC) using structurally insulated panels (SIPs) was selected for its speed and efficiency. This offsite solution allowed for rapid erection of the structure within days, enabling internal and external works to be conducted in parallel and minimising on-site disruption. The design incorporated masonry cavity walls with facing brickwork, zinc-covered pitched roofing, and glass canopies, with aluminium doors and windows to match the existing aesthetic. Traditional strip foundations and solid floor construction were used for robustness and ease of integration with the existing building. RAM provided comprehensive design and project management services, including full M&E design, planning submission, contract administration, and health and safety compliance as Principal Designer. Ancillary works included upgrading existing underground drainage, extending mechanical and electrical services, and inserting sun-pipes for natural lighting. The client retained responsibility for IT installations, interactive whiteboards, and furniture fit-out.

The project was delivered successfully, on time, and within budget, providing Moorcroft School with two state-of-the-art SEN classrooms tailored to the needs of its students. Thanks to the use of SIPs and a coordinated construction strategy, disruption to the school’s daily operations was minimised. The new space offers high-quality, accessible learning environments that support a range of educational and sensory needs. The project demonstrated the value of integrated design and project management. The outcome reflects a thoughtful blend of architectural functionality, sustainability, and sensitivity to the unique operational context of a special needs school.