Ilkley Grammar School: Plans unveiled for its future

The major redevelopment programme of Ilkley Grammar School (IGS) will be funded through the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.

IGS was approved for funding in the third round of the school rebuilding programme in July 2022 - one of 61 schools announced and the only one in the Bradford district.

Ahead of submitting a formal planning application for the proposals, IGS has been carrying out a public consultation and has now just put forward a Request for an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion to Bradford Council, to decide whether discussion has to take place over any significant environmental effects the plans might have.

An artist's impression of the proposed school redevelopment (Image: IGS)

Headteacher Carly Purnell unveiled the proposals in a document asking for parents and local people to offer their thoughts on the plans last month.

She said: “Following an extensive design process with the DfE and specialists on the design team, we are delighted to be able to share with you our proposals for the future of IGS. 

“The refurbishment, as part of the national School Rebuilding Programme, will have a transformative impact on our learning environment, providing state-of-the-art, modern facilities which will enhance the quality of education and which our students and staff deserve.

“It will deliver a more sustainable, efficient school and will support our vision to provide a world-class, inclusive education and exceptional opportunities for our community and future generations."

An artist's impression of the proposed school redevelopment (Image: IGS)

IGS said the plans “represent a major investment from the Department for Education, delivering a more welcoming, inspiring and safe environment to teach and learn”.

The proposals will see the construction of a new main teaching block and a new sports block. Four of the current buildings will be retained and when the scheme is complete it will accommodate the same number of students.

The school will remain open during the process and the document says the new buildings will largely be constructed off-site to minimise disruption to neighbours.

The IGS proposals say: “Students will benefit from a vastly improved and accessible layout and brand-new facilities including a sports block with replacement swimming pool.

“The school will see classrooms grouped by subject area allowing for equipment to be distributed easily. The reconfiguration of buildings will provide greater outdoor space, multi-use external spaces and external covered spaces.

"IGS will use the transformation as a learning tool across many subject areas and to inform students about the many careers involved in development and construction.”

An artist's impression of the proposed central space (Image: IGS)

IGS is working with several partners including Bowmer + Kirkland construction and Bond Bryan Architects which, “matching the vision of Ilkley Grammar School and in line with their Latin motto to grow in wisdom and stature”, have drawn up plans that include reducing the number of buildings on the site, ensuring the school can remain occupied and operational throughout construction, and focusing on energy efficiency, targeting net zero carbon in operation materials and building technology that create a low acoustic environment taking advantage of natural light.

There will be a “sensitive approach to massing and materiality taking into account proximity to the Ilkley conservation area”.