Sixth Form Concourse wins an award for Outstanding Design

“We wanted to create an inspiring, fun, modern and flexible space that would encourage social and academic interaction in a positive way”, Mr Baker, Director of Operations.  

Our Sixth Form Concourse building has won an award for its outstanding design. The building which acts as a communal hub for our Sixth Form students won the Mixology23 Project of the Year: Public Sector & Cultural Interiors award.

Following the initial discussions between the School and Governors, King Edward VI School Sixth Form students were given the final decision to vote for their favourite design proposal for the renovation of this space. The Architects, ‘Resonate’ were a clear favourite amongst students (particularly due to the clear focus on sustainable materials) and therefore were appointed to design this space. 

“It had to feel dramatically different from the rest of the school, and somewhere that pupils would aspire to be a part of one day”. 

The school wanted a modern, multi-functional, student desirable space and adaptable Sixth Form area that would be somewhat closer to a higher education / collaborative working space than a school. 

Picture: The Coffee Bar that is made largely from sustainable materials. 

The concept was designed around the Tree of Learning (English Oak) into a space that would fully maximize natural daylight, provide a variety of study spaces from quiet to collaborative and of course the all-important barista coffee bar and sofa’s – a prerequisite from the students! The barista bar is hugely popular, it maximises social interactions, allows students to make more mature choices while taking a break from studying. In a nod to sustainability and re-using materials, the front bar of the barista bar is carefully crafted from books that the school no longer had a need for.  

The space is divided into zones to provide space for various needs including a Group Study area that is connected to the social space, as well as quiet rooms which feature wall hung fabric panels to soften the space and aid focused study.  

The Concourse has been and continues to be a great success among our Sixth Form students; providing the perfect place to study and socialise throughout the week.

Picture: The social space of the Concourse which includes a Football Table for students to use during study breaks.

You can read more about King Edward’s facilities here - Facilities | About Us | King Edward VI School (kes.school) and more information on our Sixth Form here - Sixth Form at King Edward's - King Edward VI School (kes.school).