Designing and delivering Derby’s schools

Developing Derby's future learning landscape
2023
Highfields Spencer Academy's colourful façade creates animation at all angles

With Derby’s population set to increase by 10% by 2039, the need to provide more infrastructure, housing and school places has been one of Derby City and Derbyshire County Council’s top priorities.

As founding members of the SCAPE Group, both local authorities have accelerated the delivery of many of their projects via SCAPE frameworks, combining speed, certainty and quality at scale.

Central to this programme is Lungfish Architects, SCAPE Group’s in-house architectural practice, and responsible for the design of every school delivered. Working in close collaboration with both councils and delivery partners, Lungfish’s consistent design-led approach has enabled the creation of high-quality, inspiring, future-ready learning environments that are tailored to the needs of growing communities.

Over five years, six major projects have been delivered through SCAPE frameworks by Morgan Sindall Construction and Wates Construction. Spanning new schools, expansions and the rapid recovery after a devastating arson incident, the programme demonstrates the strength, flexibility and resilience of a fully integrated partnership.

Across Hackwood Primary Academy, Highfields Spencer Academy, Ravensdale Infant & Nursery School, Oak Grange Primary School, Castleward Spencer Academy and Murray Park Community School, more than 2,000 school places have been created, alongside over £8m in social value.

The collaboration between SCAPE, Lungfish, its shareholders and framework delivery partners showcases the power of a fully integrated model, where design excellence, procurement efficiency and delivery expertise come together to shape thriving education environments for growing communities.

Explore the full story of Derby’s school programme here.

"We are delighted to be welcoming the first pupils to our newest primary school at Castleward. Its state-of-the-art design features such as the flexible use of space, the innovative outdoor play area and the security of a sprinkler system offer a superb environment for learning. The school will be vital in transforming the regeneration of an inner-city area into a thriving community."

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet member for children, young people and skills of Derby City Council

6 Projects
5 Years
£40M+ Educational infrastructure investment
2,000+ School places
£8M+ Social value
“This is a joyous milestone for all staff and pupils at the school, and I am pleased to see the school rebuilt to the highest standards, on budget and on time. This has been possible because of excellent partnership working between Ravensdale School staff, the governing body, and school leadership team, Lungfish Architects, Morgan Sindall Construction and the Council. It was deeply upsetting to see the destruction caused by the fire, but these fantastic facilities will help pupils make the most of the first stages of their learning journey. Losing a school has an enormous community impact, and my thanks go to the schools who offered space for Ravensdale children while the building work was ongoing.”

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Skills of Derby City Council