We recently completed a masterplan and feasibility study for the Governors and Headteachers of Coombe Hill Infant and Junior Schools in Kingston upon Thames to examine 3 options for permanent expansion from a 3 form up to a 4 form entry. Currently both schools accept a bulge class once every three years, however due to the increasing demand across the Borough, they were asked to consider expanding up to 4 form entry .
The feasibility study was a highly collaborative process involving the key stakeholders during a month of intensive brainstorming and briefing. The biggest challenge was finding the right solution to the Infant School which is constrained by buildings and a sloping site to the rear. The options that we presented to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and London Borough of Richmond have given them the solution accepted by the Schools to expand in phases with the required infrastructure without filling up the playground with additional classrooms and to a tight budget.