Ousedale School is an award-winning academy based on two campuses, Newport Pagnell that was initially opened in 1963, and Olney, that was later opened in 2007. It is an academy for students aged between 11-19 and currently has over 2,000 students attending.
They have received a number of national awards, not only for academic success, but also for success in the field of music education. Recent honours include 4 national awards for progress and attainment at GCSE and A level, placing their results in the top 20% of schools nationally. They also received a local award for achieving the best results for disadvantaged children in Milton Keynes.
Ousedale School was situated in an area impacted by local industrial development work. It found itself with the opportunity to utilise funding provided by a Milton Keynes Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The school was required to use the funds to develop additional or improved Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities, so they engaged the team at ECP to explore the best solution.
We took a holistic approach when assessing the schools infrastructure. This identified the best location for the SEND space to also best support the students, as well as how we could help optimise additional areas of the overall site. We proceeded to construct a feasibility plan covering the wider-spread scope of the project. This was also needed to help secure the funds.
The project unfolded in multiple phases. To create the new dedicated SEND space we converted the former standalone science centre, this led to also providing new social spaces and teaching areas. A new state-of-the-art science lab was also developed by combining and converting an existing toilet block. And 3 redundant squash courts used for storage, were transformed into a new centralised toilet and changing hub. They were designed to be bright and easily maintainable, and configured for use by all students. Its new central location enabled more passive supervision, better behaviour, easy access to the dining facilities and quick return to classes.
circa. £950,000
February 2024
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