Client London Borough of Hackney / Mouchel Babcock Education
Location London, UK
Status Built
Awards
2014 Hackney Design Award
2013 RIBA Regional Award Finalist
Jestico + Whiles was appointed by Mouchel Babcock Education to design the new Cardinal Pole Catholic School as part of the Phase Two Hackney BSF Programme.
The school was established in 1959 and until the completion of the new building it operated on split sites. The school has now been unified on one site for the first time in its year history.
The new building is comprised of three storeys and has been devised around the school’s new education and pastoral care system, which is based on three ‘learning communities’ and an area dedicated for sixth form. Each community is named after the patron saints: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Josephine Bakhita, and Sir Thomas More.
Each community has been assigned an independent ‘wing’ to house specific teaching spaces, learning resource centres and social areas, whilst also acting as a pastoral base.
The spaces are interconnected by a generous central ‘street’, which provides natural light and ventilation whilst encouraging circulation and social interaction between pupils. The school’s chapel is symbolically located at the centre of the school, cantilevered out over the main entrance.
'Jestico + Whiles has been a pivotal force in guiding the school through its critical transition to a new building. They have been invaluable partners and their presence is still felt through their on-going commitment and relationship with the school.'
Alex Parker, Business Manager, Cardinal Pole Catholic School.
'This project displays professional handling of a new school building on a complex site. Intelligent site planning and the judicious use of materials have created an uplifting learning environment with high levels of sustainability integrated into the scheme. The judges were impressed by the beautiful school chapel at the heart of the school.'
2014 Hackney Design Award Judges.
