As the Department for Education releases new guidance on school design, at Haverstock we are taking a look back at some of our schools of the past.

Examining how we can adapt existing estates with modern interventions, we are focusing on the Victorian Board School model.

Today, we are looking back at the Harpenden Academy School, located within the Harpenden Conservation area in Hertfordshire.

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Completed in 2016, Haverstock undertook work to extend and refurbish a partially derelict Victorian school building into a thriving 2 form entry primary school.

A two-storey extension was carefully designed to echo the existing gables and pitches of the existing building and to complement the surrounding conservation area context. Built on a challenging site, the extension also addresses the severe level changes across the site.

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Internally, we applied modern standards to both new and old learning spaces – replicating what we could from the Victorian model, including natural light, high ceilings and natural ventilation. Acoustic design was incorporated consistently throughout, as well as integrating modern lighting, data, and power systems.

These adaptations offer the school a playful and contemporary extension, addressing the needs of 21st Century education.

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