Hailsham Primary School

Hailsham Primary School 5

Hailsham Primary Academy is a new state-of-the-art primary and nursery school in Hailsham, East Sussex. Miller Bourne was appointed as part of the design team to provide full architectural services from RIBA Stage 2 to 7.

A large increase in residential development in the Hailsham area led to provision for the construction of this new 420-place school.
Morgan Sindall was appointed by East Sussex County Council through the Orbis framework for the design and construction of the new Two Form Entry Primary School and Nursery in Hailsham.

The entire scheme was developed and designed using Revit and on Miller Bourne’s recommendation built with the use of the Streif pre-fabricated off-site panelised system.

Its use resulted in the new school building being completed 11 weeks ahead of programme, in a total of 44 weeks, with the initial phase handed over six weeks early, meaning pupils could start the new term in the brand-new school rather than the temporary accommodation planned.

The school was conceived as a two-storey linear building, with the older year groups and ancillary accommodation located on the first floor.

The Nursery is located at the western end, with easy access to a drop-off area and dedicated playground.

The central ground floor classrooms open out onto covered external teaching areas and the wider playground. At the eastern end is a double height hall and dining room that opens out onto the external play area.

Most rooms are naturally ventilated, either through crossflow ventilation or using e-stack ventilation unit.

Understanding the client’s requirements, key drivers and values was identified as key for success. 

The building went on to win the SECBE Building Project of the Year (under £10M) 2020. The judges were also impressed that the project was completed early, under the approved cost, and with its construction generating low CO2 emissions and reduced levels of waste.

The new school comprises the following accommodation:

  • Nursery
  • Reception
  • 14 classrooms
  • Food Science/DT
  • Main Hall/Assembly
  • Studio
  • Library
  • Group rooms
  • Staff rooms and offices
  • SEN therapy room
  • Ancillary spaces
Hailsham Primary School 6
Hailsham Primary School 4
Hailsham Primary School 3
Hailsham Primary School 1
Hailsham Primary School 2
  • "Miller Bourne have worked with ESCC on numerous schools and community projects. Their design solutions are contemporary, innovative, and exciting and also manage to interpret and incorporate the vision of multiple stakeholders. Their expertise with the workings of the local authority – and the broader public sector is highly valued – as is their understanding of the need to achieve financial and sustainable value with their robust, futureproofed and fit for purpose solutions. They’re always friendly, willing to engage, and excellent at collaboration."
    Alice Smyth, Programme Manager, East Sussex County Council
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