The Jewish Community Secondary School

The site for this new 1310-pupil secondary school is currently occupied by a 1960s school, to be closed as part of Barnet Council's schools programme. Surrounded by playing fields and Monken Hadley Common, it is within an area of designated Metropolitan Open Land. RHWL's innovative designs place the classrooms and other spaces as wings fanning from a curving central spine, so that the building addresses adjacent woodland.

DP9's client – the partnership became involved in the project during 2006 – will develop the site, identified after an extended search for a new faith-based secondary school, plus a special resources unit, with the nearby existing primary school remaining in use. The sensitivities of local residents about the intensified use of the site had to be addressed.

There were, inevitably, objections but also many expressions of support. The project is essentially parent-led and depends on an infusion of funding generated from voluntary contributions.

Amongst the many issues that had to be addressed as part of the planning process was that of traffic. The aim is to minimise car use, with buses ferrying pupils from nearby Rail and Underground stations. In addition, Sport England was concerned by the potential loss of playing fields: an agreement provides for use of the playing fields and sports hall by the local community.

The scheme won planning permission from Barnet and was endorsed by the Mayor and the Government Office for London. The new school is scheduled to open in 2011.