Dormers Wells High School

Ealing, London

Dormers Wells High School was part of the Building Schools for the Future programme. In the heart of a diverse residential area, the building enhances the civic visibility of the school – providing a welcoming environment for students and the wider community whilst respecting the domestic scale of its immediate context.

Arranged around two courts of different characters, the building facilitates a fluid relationship between internal and external spaces. A calm and uplifting atmosphere is the result of generous daylight and the use of natural materials.

Judged to be one of the top rated BSF school designs by CABE, the building also achieved BREEAM Excellent.

The overall feel and quality of the building is more like a university, which is proving an inspiration to our students. Our whole community is delighted by the building and its grounds.
Maggy Aylott, Head Teacher
It was a pleasure working with the architects from Nicholas Hare; they listened carefully to our needs and showed imagination and flair in their designs.
Steve Hobbs, Deputy Head and BSF lead
The new building is so spacious and light with a stimulating colour scheme which makes finding your way around easy. I love the fact that those students with disabilities particularly in hearing impairment are so well catered for. The courtyards make an ideal place to talk with friends or work in small groups. Everyone is enthusiastic about our new building and it has really made us look forward to going to school!
Kayleigh Weir, Head Girl 2011/12

Our Team

  • Amy Corrigan
  • Tom Guy
  • Carol Lelliott
  • Nicholas Langstaff
  • Quinton Pop
  • Juliette Sacher
  • Andrew Wadeson

Project Team

  • Client: Ealing Council
  • Structural Engineer: Cundall
  • Services Engineer: Cundall
  • Landscape Architect: Grontmij (Formerly Whitelaw Turkington)
  • Sustainability Consultant: Cundall
  • Acoustician: Sound Research Laboratories
  • Fire Engineer: Balfour Beatty
  • Contractor: Balfour Beatty
  • Photography: Peter Durrant

Awards

  • Winner: Ealing Civic Society Award
  • Shortlisted: Education Estates Sustainable Achievement Award

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