Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Notting Hill & Ealing High School wins 2025 New London Education Award, recognised for its junior school building that sets a benchmark in London design.
The design, which was created by Hawkins- Brown, was conceived for fusing ecologically friendly structure practices with innards that promote scholars’ good and link classrooms to out-of-door areas. Backed by the Mayor of London, the NLA Awards celebrate systems aimed at enhancing the capital.
Large expanses of glass and “hit-and-miss” masonry are used on the building’s exterior in an effort to mimic the surroundings. Inside, cross-laminated timber beams and floors sit with other natural materials to create light-filled areas.
Facilities include specific teaching rooms for art, science, music and computing, as well as additional classrooms for sixth form pupils.
Along with classrooms that the school claims are prepared for “future-focused” learning, the expansion also includes a sizable multipurpose hall and a library with a rooftop lantern.
Outdoor space has been planned to facilitate hands-on engagement, including a scientific garden, a reception play area, a forest school zone and playgrounds for different year groups.
A central foyer provides a flexible location for informal learning and small-group work.
Kate Bevan, head of the junior school, said:
“Our new school supports us in delivering the exceptional education our students deserve. They strengthen teaching in core subjects while also enabling a rich programme in sport, music, and the arts.”
How does the new junior school meet specific sustainability standards?
It achieved a BREEAM Excellent standing, a leading sustainability instrument for structures in the UK, featuring high environmental performance. The design incorporates a rustic structural frame, contributing to carbon reduction by using renewable accoutrements .
The roof includes south- facing photovoltaic (PV) panels that induce renewable electricity onsite, reducing reliance on fossil energies. Air source heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation systems ameliorate heating effectiveness and reduce energy consumption.
High situations of watertight sequestration minimize heat loss, promoting energy conservation. The structure maximizes natural light with north- facing roof lights and a rooftop lantern, reducing the need for artificial lighting. out-of-door literacy spaces and timber academy areas promote ecological mindfulness and biodiversity.