Ratcliffe College

Project Brief

Ratcliffe College undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of some of its most visible and well-used communal areas, including the main library, the Sixth Form Centre café, and the school reception. The aim was to create high-quality, functional spaces that reflect the school’s heritage while responding to the needs of a modern educational environment.

The library, housed within a striking historic chapel, was reimagined as a multi-functional hub with clearly defined zones for study, reading, and social interaction. A variety of furniture, soft seating, and improved book storage have encouraged greater flexibility, while new glazing and lighting enhanced visibility and natural flow.

In the Sixth Form Centre, the café was upgraded with refreshed catering facilities, contemporary finishes, and a student-selected colour palette. Booth seating with charging points and varied-height surfaces now provide both capacity and flexibility, supporting social life and informal study. Finally, the main reception was relocated and designed to offer a professional, welcoming first impression for all visitors while also reflecting the warmth of the school community.

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Purpose

These central spaces had become outdated and underused, no longer meeting the expectations of students, staff, or visitors. For boarders in particular, the lack of functional, appealing spaces limited opportunities for engagement outside of lessons. School leadership identified the refurbishment as a priority, in line with strategic goals to enhance wellbeing, support academic and social life, and ensure that public-facing areas properly reflected Ratcliffe’s reputation for excellence.

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Key Outcomes

The remodelled spaces now form the vibrant heart of the campus. The library is widely used as a hub for independent and group study, while the café has become a focal point of Sixth Form life. The refreshed reception provides an immediate sense of quality and care, ensuring that Ratcliffe College’s public-facing environments now match the high standards of its academic and pastoral provision.