To describe this building as ‘three layers of undulating ribboned classrooms enclosing a central courtyard underneath dramatic light diffused roof’ is true but utterly fails to describe how this enormous 2000 student school has been designed around one space and at a human scale. Naturally lit, largely naturally ventilated, secure – secure from bullying, dramatic, exciting, and easy to use and a pleasure to be in, this building will be a beacon for secondary education design. More an internal village than a school building, the six colleges formed by the V shaped floor plates revolves around the communication space at the heart of the building. This is a school that is difficult to describe; easy to use. A real achievement.