Little Common School, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex

RIBA Stage: 0-6 (Design & Construction)

Project Value: £300,000

Sector: Education

Growing pupil numbers had put pressure on this Bexhill-on-Sea school's existing layout, and a facilities upgrade was needed to keep operations running smoothly.

As the school's architect, we focused first on separating parent and staff movement through the building, introducing a new entrance so drop off and pick up no longer competed with staff access, improving both security and everyday flow.

The brief also called for additional office space to support the school's growing administration, and a nursery extension to provide isolated teaching areas along with a dedicated sleeping space for younger children. Toilet and changing facilities were enlarged and improved throughout, bringing them in line with current guidance and the needs of a larger pupil intake.

The result is a school that can accommodate more pupils and staff day to day, with spaces that work harder without feeling cramped or improvised. It's the kind of practical, phased thinking a Bexhill on Sea architect brings to an occupied school site, where disruption has to be kept to a minimum while the building keeps up with demand."