Criteria for good school design

Relationship between the grounds and the buildings
Do the grounds and planting contribute to creating a sense of place?
Does the design respond to the existing topography, climate and ecology of the site?

Social spaces and play
Are outdoor spaces provided for a variety of different student social activities, interest ranges and group sizes?

Outdoor learning
Are there provisions for outdoor learning?

Physical activity
Are there opportunities for a wide range of physical activities?

Questions to help you meet the criteria

A successful scheme will design the school’s grounds alongside its buildings. It will include opportunities for social and play spaces, outdoor learning and recreation, as well as designated sports facilities.

Our questions to ask about school grounds can help you meet the assessment criteria.

A good example

The panel commented on the potentially impressive boulevard and events space and felt that the scheme demonstrates a sophisticated approach towards designing the grounds.

They appear to have been designed in conjunction with the building form adding to the sense of place.

Examine drawings and plans for this scheme

Another good example

The design of the grounds makes the most of the limited site area by providing a range of different outdoor spaces.

Again, the grounds seem to have been designed along side the building reinforcing the idea that a school is the whole site rather than just the buildings.

Examine drawings and plans for this scheme