The project and background

Details of a new Primary School for Bere Regis which includes five class bases, a hall, games court, grass playing field and a pre-school facility.

Bere Regis Primary School currently operates as a 140 place primary school for pupils aged between 4 and 11. The school became a primary school in September 2012 following the reorganisation of education provision in the Purbeck area from three tier to two tier.

The project started on site in November 2015 with completion due in late 2016.

The school is located on a busy roadside location of Rye Hill which is on the south-east edge of the village. The old brick built building has been home to the school for over 80 years but is not large enough or appropriate for teaching today’s curriculum.

The proposal is to build a new school to the south of the village in a rural location at the end of Egdon Close. A new access drive to the school will be created through Souls Moor. A pre-school facility is also included in the plan.

The new single storey school will be set within its own grounds and will provide:

• Five class bases
• Toilets
• A large hall
• Offices and Headteacher’s room
• Hard and soft play areas
• A games court and grass playing field
• Parking for staff.

The Design

This location for the new school has been chosen from a small number of options as the most suitable site within Bere Regis.
The choice of materials and their colour will also be used to blend the building into the natural rural environment. The provision of clerestory glazing gives visual character and ensures the maximum use of natural ventilation and day lighting.

The school building allows for day to day flexibility and future adaptability; internal walls can be removed and remodelled, if future needs arise, under the steel framed roof structure.

All facilities in the new school will be accessible, being compliant with current building regulations guidance and recommendations. The new school will be at a single floor level and there will be an accessible parking bay together with fully accessible paths.

The Design & Sustainability

A desktop study will be undertaken in order to ensure that the design meets the requirements to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) “very good” rating. The project will not be subject to a full BREEAM assessment. Sustainable design solutions include:

• Evaluating all materials on their level of sustainability together with future recycling and re-use
• Providing high levels of insulation
• Maximising the use of natural daylight
• Ensuring energy efficient lighting units and appliances are installed
• Providing photovoltaic panels located on the south facing roof

External Works & Landscape

Hard and soft play areas will be provided within the school grounds. A new sports pitch will be provided to the west of the school building and new formal hard play court with surrounding ball fence will be provided to the south. There will also be areas for group play and outdoor teaching.

Existing trees and the hedgerow on the north boundary of the site will be retained with the hedgerow being extended with further planting. A hedgerow around the boundary fence will also be planted.