Tuesday 6 November 2018

St John's New Build Wins Civic Society Award

On Tuesday October 23rd, St John’s received our ‘Commended’ award for our new school build from the Ealing Civic Society at a ceremony at Ealing Town Hall. The annual awards scheme “celebrates good design in all parts of the Borough”. Ms Borlase received her award from the Guardian columnist Tim Dowling (above). 

In her acceptance speech, Ms Borlase said: "Thank you. We’re so pleased that you like our building. We love it! The staff love it. Most importantly the children love it. They treat it with a reverent respect. Nobody runs down the corridor at St John’s.  At least one child was seen to kiss the carpet when we moved in. 

Children spend half their waking day in school – they deserve to learn in beautiful spaces and that’s what we’ve got. What is more, children who live in overcrowded housing now learn in an environment of light and space and beauty. 

We were invited to meetings from the concept designs onwards. 

The architects, Conran, listened to us. It must be tough to have all their skill and expertise and have to listen to clients and it’s really the last thing that we expected, but we feel privileged to have been part of the process that shaped our school and we thank them for that."