SEND case study: Creating a Vision for Vocational Excellence at St Philip’s School
St Philip’s School, Chessington
Project: The Willow Vocational Teaching Block
Budget: £2.98m
Specialist requirements: Special educational needs school
The Mission: Learning for Life
St Philip’s School is a place where "learning for life" isn't just a motto—it is the daily mission. Serving students aged 9 to 19 with a wide range of additional needs, including complex autism, the school recognises that independence is the ultimate goal. For many of these students, the key to a successful adult life lies in vocational, hands-on skills.
However, the school faced a significant barrier: their vocational facilities were housed in an outdated, end-of-life temporary block. It was a space that no longer reflected the high aspirations of the students. To truly prepare their cohort for the "world of work," the school needed a permanent, industry-standard home for practical learning.
A Legacy Reimagined
The importance of this mission was highlighted at the building’s grand opening by guest of honour, Terence Devenish. Terry was the 11th pupil ever enrolled at St Philip’s 71 years ago. His brother, Peter, noted: “Terry was one of the first students here and they equipped him so when he left this school, he worked all of his working life until his retirement.” The new Willow Block ensures that current students receive that same life-changing preparation in a modern environment.
The Challenge: Building in a "Live" Environment
Transforming the vision for Willow Block into reality meant navigating three significant hurdles:
A Sensitive, Landlocked Site: The new block had to be situated at the back of the site where the old tempory block stood, nestled among established trees with protected root systems.
Prioritising Pupil Well-being: Maintaining a calm environment was vital. S2e worked with the contractor to provide a solution that limited the noise and chaos of heavy construction away from the students' daily lives.
Planning & Community: With residential neighbours close by, the project required a sensitive architectural design to secure local council approval.
The S2e Solution: Innovation Meets Purpose
S2e provided a comprehensive, end-to-end service—from initial estates strategy and architectural design to procurement and project management.
1. The Modular Advantage
To protect the students from the disruption of a traditional build, S2e designed a two-storey modular building. 22 modules were precision-fabricated off-site by Wernick Buildings and craned into position during the October half-term. This logistical feat allowed the building to "appear" with minimal impact on the school community.
2. Industry-Standard Facilities
The "Willow Block" was designed with the workplace in mind, not just the classroom:
Ground Floor: Professional-grade workshops for Construction/DT (including bricklaying), Food Technology (pizza ovens and catering), and a specialist Animal Care suite for reptiles and small animals.
First Floor: Two modern science labs, a drama studio, and a communication room.
Total Inclusivity: The building features full lift access, accessible toilet facilities and height-adjustable and accessible desks in every room. Ensuring every student can navigate the space independently.
3. Sustainability for the Future
S2e ensured the design respected the local landscape and on target to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. By incorporating solar energy and high-efficiency systems, we ensured the building would be as sustainable for the planet as it is for the Trust’s long-term budget.
The Outcome
Completed in April 2025, the Willow Block has transformed the school’s vocational offering and increased capacity by 15 places. At the opening ceremony, guests saw the building in action: pupils laying brick walls, preparing food, and managing the animal care unit.
“This building was born entirely from the ideas of staff and students you will see in all of the rooms. They’ve been designed specifically for our cohort, for our young people, but with industry in mind. Emma Hyett, Principal Architect at S2e, had to take our ideas and turn them into reality”
S2e Services Provided:
Estates Vision & Strategy: Planning for school expansion and capacity.
Architectural Design: Specialist SEND-compliant, industry-focused layout.
Project Management & QS: Ensuring the £2.98m budget and grants were maximised.
Planning & Procurement: Securing approvals on a constrained site.
Energy & Net Zero: Achieving BREEAM 'Very Good' standards.
Architecture for Education & SEND Excellence
Our architectural team possesses specialist knowledge of the education sector, working closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that meet both current demands and future aspirations. We design safe, secure, and sustainable buildings that do more than just house students—they inspire and stimulate learning for everyone.
Specialised SEND Provision
We are particularly experienced in designing dedicated SEND units that prioritise accessibility, sensory regulation, and inclusion. As the landscape of education shifts, highlighted by the government’s recent £200m investment into universal SEND training for all teaching staff, we ensure your physical environment keeps pace with pedagogical shifts. Our designs are informed by the latest SEND reforms, creating flexible spaces that support early identification of needs and allow staff to implement their training effectively, whether for speech and language support or visual impairments.
Our Comprehensive Services
Whether you require a brand-new facility or need to remodel existing assets to meet new inclusive standards, our team led by a Chartered Architect will help you unlock your estate’s full potential. We offer a full suite of services to take your project from concept to completion:
Strategic Planning: Space analysis and master planning.
Design & Compliance: Technical drawings and planning applications.
Delivery: Contractor selection and robust project management.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss how S2e can support your school in delivering specialist facilities that align with your educational and estate objectives, our team would be pleased to talk. You can contact us by phone on 0116 507 0130 or by email at enquire@s2e.org.uk.
