Wixams Schools Net Zero Transformation

Three schools have been sustainably transformed in Wixams, Bedfordshire, UK. The new village is split between Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. The phased development comprised an extension to an existing primary school, one new 4-form entry primary school and a significant expansion of a secondary school. As the Architect, in collaboration with Willmott Dixon, Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Pick Everard, these sustainable learning environments help shape the future of primary and K-12 education in England.

A feasibility study evaluated the spatial elements of Wixams Tree Primary School (Phase 1). The resulting addition, completed in 2022, improves the building’s external fabric and performance. An additional 1-form entry provides 180 pupil spaces to meet the growing demand in the area.

Doubling its count to 1800 students, the secondary school Wixams Academy (Phase 2) expands with a three-story building with 6-form entry. The net zero addition features a new teaching hub with 27 general classrooms, 18 specialized classrooms, a dance studio and a courtyard canopy.

Willow Grove Primary School (Phase 3) is a ground-up building and Net Zero in Operation. The 4-form entry school provides new teaching facilities for 840 students.

The sustainability approach for Phases 2 and 3 employ a mix of active and passive features to reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon emissions. A high-performance building fabric reduces heat loss alongside solar shading to balance daylighting for an optimal thermal environment. Natural ventilation is facilitated via façade-mounted hybrid ventilation units in classrooms and windcatchers in halls and double-height spaces. Onsite renewable energy is prioritized with Air Source Heat Pumps providing decarbonized heat and photovoltaic panels covering 80% of the roof. An energy panel in the reception area raises climate change awareness, inspiring environmental stewardship among children, staff, visitors and their communities.

Following our involvement in the projects, our team co-authored a Technical Specification document with Engineers for Bedford Borough Council. It boldly sets the criteria for future educational projects within the borough, including the requirement that all new schools adhere to net zero principles.