Joinedupdesign for Building
Schools for the Future and
Primary Capital programmes

Schools in England are currently benefiting from capital investment on an unprecedented scale. The Building Schools for the Future and Primary Capital programmes will oversee the rebuilding or refurbishment of every secondary school and 50 per cent of primary schools in England over a 20-year period. The programmes represent an investment of £2.5 billion per year, and are being delivered by the government body Partnerships for Schools. In 2007, the Sorrell Foundation adapted the joinedupdesignforschools process to give pupils a say in what happens to their schools under these programmes.

Over 150 schools visit the Sorrell Foundation Young Design Centre at Somerset House each year, to take part in the Joinedupdesign for Building Schools for the Future or Primary Capital programmes. As with joinedupdesignforschools, the pupils work in a client team, following a process of research, meetings and discussions to create a Pupils’ Brief, which communicates what they want for their school to the architects and designers working on their development project. The process is also an opportunity for pupils to learn and develop life skills such as problem-solving, teamworking and communication, and is equally successful when planning a smaller intervention, such as designing new locker and storage systems, a new school uniform, better school signage or a new identity for the school.

To get the best results from the Joinedupdesign for Building Schools for the Future or Primary Capital programmes, the process should begin at the same time as the initial design development, so it becomes part of the overall vision. It will work best if the pupils are completely involved at all stages in a genuine, extended dialogue with the appointed designers and architects. As the process moves forward, opportunities are being identified for pupils to continue their engagement during the build process, through to the post-occupancy evaluation stage.

For further information, please contact Tom Doust, Education Director, on 020 7845 5860 or tom@thesorrellfoundation.com