A school extension project designed by Wilson Mason has been praised for creating new adaptable teaching facilities and vital “breathing space” for its growing student population.
The project at Didsbury High School, South Manchester, completed in February and has created new classrooms alongside an IT suite, staff office space and circulation areas.
Operated by the Laurus Trust, Didsbury High School opened in 2019 and has seven year groups and a student population exceeding 1,100 which includes its academic sixth form which has capacity for 300 students. The school received its first Ofsted inspection in 2023 and was graded ‘Outstanding’ in every area.
The extension project has created a new space at second floor level supported by raking steel columns, a solution that enabled existing student recreation areas and walkways at ground level to be retained and for the building to blend with its adjacent woodland backdrop.
Internally, the design has provided classrooms that are adaptable for specialised SEND lessons, including features like enhanced acoustic treatment to minimise external noise, reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility.
Katie Houghton, Head of Didsbury High School, said: “It’s difficult to explain the importance of space for a school community. Over the last seven years our community has grown, both in number and size; and as a growing school, reaching capacity pushed our space to the limits.
“The extension has given us new breathing room. The much-needed computer suite and intervention classrooms mean we can offer our students more tailored support and specialised equipment.
“In addition, the sheltered outdoor canopy allows students to enjoy fresh air on those rainy Manchester days. Revolutionary is potentially hyperbolic but, the extension certainly has transformed our school space for the better.”
James Potter, partner architect at Wilson Mason, said: “We designed the extension above ground level so that the school could gain additional teaching space without losing existing areas that students actively use.
“Being close to existing school facilities, including the sports pitches, recreation and refreshment areas, the design also provides a canopy for students to use and stay dry in adverse weather. We’re thrilled that the project has met the school’s objective of providing vital additional capacity and that it’s been well received by students, staff and visitors alike.”
The project required careful planning with a bespoke and innovative approach to dealing with the project construction overlapping with the school’s scheduled term time. Practical CDM led solutions were put in place to address and mitigate any risk to both students and construction staff.
The project team also included PSA (mechanical and electrical design services), Gosling Consulting (surveying and project management), KODA (civil and structural engineering) and John Turner Construction (contractor).