The retention of the 1930s E-shaped school building, now the only significant surviving inter-war building in Darwen, is an important part of the scheme. The grammar school frontage continues to dominate the site, representing Darwen Vale’s continuous history of excellence in education. Important spaces in this high quality building, such as the library, will be retained as part of the new scheme.

Key to the design’s success is transforming the way that pupils learn. A new typology, driven by Blackburn with Darwen Local Education Authority’s desire for cross-curricular and group-based learning, will see the new school building divided into four learning environments: STEM (for science), Communicate (languages), Create (arts) and Transition (an area for year seven students).

The landscape design was conceived in close consultation with the school and pupils to create high quality external teaching areas tailored to the needs of each learning environment. For example, a hands-on, outside area next to STEM will provide opportunities for outdoor experimentation, whilst outdoor performances can take place in the amphitheatre next to Communicate.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project, which will achieve a BREEAM “Excellent” score when completed and a significantly low carbon emissions output. In recognition of the school’s engineering specialism, the design encompasses a wide variety of environmental criteria, including a wind turbine and biomass boiler to regenerate energy. The landscape and building roofs will contain a number of habitat areas that promote biodiversity; allotments and bee hives give students and members of the community the opportunity to produce their own food.

JMP’s design incorporates new sport facilities, including a fitness suite, sports hall and upgraded pitches and courts. These facilities will be open to the public both during and outside of school hours, building on the school’s already strong community cohesion. The school will be carefully zoned to ensure the security and well being of pupils whilst making the site more inviting to the local community.

When completed, the new Darwen Vale High School will incorporate part of the original grammar school constructed in 1938. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils in a flexible, IT-rich environment designed to transform teaching and learning.