One of the largest architecture practices in Scotland, Archial Architects, has delivered inclusion by design to The Grange Campus in Kilmarnock in a pioneering project that brings together Grange Academy, Annanhill Primary School and Park School, the latter catering for children with special educational needs, within one educational village or 'campus'.

Part of the £70m East Ayrshire Schools PPP project encompassing four schools delivered by the First Class Consortium, led by German contractor Hochtief, Barr Construction and McLaughlin and Harvey, the Grange Campus provides a welcome example of how inclusion, when positioned at the very heart of school design, can genuinely enhance the educational experience for an integrated mix of pupils.

The design of the project was led by Archial Architects Director Kevin Cooper, one of the most experienced architect working within Scotland’s education sector.

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Mr Cooper said: "The realisation of the ideal of inclusion at the Grange Campus can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the fact that, from the outset, East Ayrshire Council was passionate about inclusion and was unequivocal in its intent to secure a design of real quality for the campus. This intent was then backed by a realistic budget that made its delivery possible."

The design of The Grange Campus comprises an E-shaped block, which houses the teaching element of the secondary school, and a lower, curving element which houses the primary school, whilst a drum to the front of the building houses the various school administration functions. The special needs primary school, meanwhile, is based within a semi-circular building adjacent to the primary facilities although, significantly, several of its principal teaching spaces are actually located within the body of the secondary school itself, thereby further encouraging inclusion through the active mixing of pupils.

Between the primary school special needs part of the building and the secondary school teaching block are located the shared games hall, assembly hall and dining hall. The social space of the building, meanwhile, connects the various parts of the building together and is sculptural, bright and airy.

Fred Wildridge, head teacher at Grange Academy said he is "delighted" with the results.

The Archial Group Plc employs around 200 staff in Scotland, operating from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness.

(GK/BMcC)