Lord Wandsworth College

Project Brief

Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, a leading co-educational day and boarding school, set out to reimagine its underutilised library and outdated Sixth Form facilities. Once a central resource, the library had become unfit for purpose in the post-pandemic era, failing to support modern study habits or collaborative learning. The College recognised the opportunity to repurpose this prime space into a dynamic learning hub, aligning with its broader masterplan for investing in innovative, future-focused facilities.

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Purpose

The existing library and Sixth Form areas were uninspiring and underused, offering little flexibility for the varied ways students needed to learn, study, and socialise. Leadership wanted to create an environment that encouraged academic focus, collaboration, and community. The project was part of a strategic drive to modernise facilities, complementing recent investments such as the new Science Centre, and ensuring that Sixth Form students were supported in both their academic and social development.

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Key Outcomes

The transformation delivered a suite of zoned learning spaces, including areas for quiet study, group collaboration, and casual socialising. A café was incorporated to encourage community and provide hospitality for events, while design walk-throughs ensured the College could visualise and refine the concept before completion.

Since the project, student engagement has risen, with feedback highlighting the improved learning environment and sense of ownership students now feel over their space. Productivity and collaboration have been strengthened, and the redesigned hub has become central to Sixth Form life. The project has not only revitalised an underused resource but also created a facility that reflects the College’s values and ambitions - empowering students to thrive in a modern, adaptable environment.