Project Value:
Client:
Key Points
Department for Education funded
Inclusive SEND provision
Two form entry
Future focused learning
The redevelopment of Stow Heath Primary School & Nursery is a Department for Education funded project responding to the need for modern, fit for purpose educational facilities in Wolverhampton. Following a competitive DfE process, Tilbury Douglas, supported by Associated Architects, was appointed to deliver a new two form entry primary school alongside the retention and refurbishment of the existing nursery.
The proposals address the DfE principles of suitability, sufficiency and condition, replacing buildings that no longer met contemporary educational, accessibility or safety standards. The new school provides capacity for 420 primary pupils, a 33 place nursery and a dedicated SEND unit for 43 pupils, delivering high quality accommodation aligned with current DfE design guidance. The project forms part of wider national investment in state funded education, ensuring access to inclusive, high quality learning environments.
The new school is designed to support a broad range of learning styles and needs, with inclusion embedded throughout the layout and spatial strategy. SEND accommodation is distributed across both ground and first floors in quieter areas of the site, providing adaptable classrooms, therapy spaces and sensory appropriate environments. Direct access to external play areas supports wellbeing and outdoor learning.
Infant classrooms are located at ground floor level with immediate access to secure outdoor spaces, while junior classrooms are arranged at first floor with shared group rooms and storage. Accessibility is integral to the design, with level access, a central lift, accessible WCs and clear circulation ensuring all pupils, staff and visitors can move through the building safely and independently.
The project has been carefully planned to allow the existing school to remain operational during construction, maintaining continuity of education. Revised site access, parking and drop off arrangements improve safety and legibility, with clear separation between pedestrians and vehicles and dedicated routes for staff, visitors and servicing.
Landscape design plays a key role, retaining mature trees, enhancing biodiversity and incorporating nature based SuDS to manage surface water. New external play areas, improved sports provision and a MUGA support physical activity and community use, while sustainable construction principles and robust materials ensure a durable, low maintenance school for the future.
