Pilgrims School, BedfordDesigned by Hampshire County Council with Sir Colin Stansfield Smith, Pilgrims School is a innovative pre-preparatory school that sets a standard for education in Bedford.

In 1997 The Bedford Charity (The Harpur Trust) launched a two-stage RIBA competition to develop a new pre-preparatory school in Bedford at a cost of £2.5million.

The Trust's aim was to provide a 250 pupil co-educational school in the 3 to 6 year old range, including a nursery group, on the site of a former playing fields. The Trust was looking to achieve an exciting and innovative school which would be regarded as a flagship for education for this age group.

Ten practices were selected from a longlist of thirty to attend interview. Four were then chosen to take part in final design phase. The four finalists were asked to submit sample detailed designs for the classrooms and atriums/common areas.

The Panel unanimously selected Hampshire County Council with Sir Colin Stansfield Smith as the winner. The scheme not only met their briefing and financial requirements, but had a philosophical undertone which enhanced and developed their own educational vision.

Awards

RIBA Award 2001