Ellis-Miller + Partners, leading educational architects and school design specialists in the UK, were commissioned to deliver the landmark new campus for Catmose College in Oakham, Rutland. As experts in innovative school architecture, inclusive school design and community-focused educational buildings, we worked in close collaboration with school leaders, Rutland County Council, educators, parents, students and community stakeholders to translate the college’s visionary Transformation Plan into a future-proof learning environment. This ambitious brief – far more than “just moving house” – shaped every aspect of our educational architecture, from initial concept through construction in 2011 to ongoing post-occupancy evaluation over the past 14 years. Ellis-Miller + Partners have continuously monitored the school’s performance against the original design brief, confirming that our flexible learning environments and personalised learning spaces have delivered outstanding, measurable results.

The Transformation Plan placed students at the heart of their development, calling for progression by stage rather than age, autonomous learning, personalised learning styles, activity-based approaches and independent study. Our school design responded with adaptable, varied room sizes, movable furniture systems and multi-use zones that support mixed-age groups and preferred learning styles. The landmark Hellerup-inspired central communal hub, together with breakout spaces and outdoor learning landscapes, enables fluid activity-based learning and independent study anywhere on campus. Pervasive ICT infrastructure extends learning 24/7 into homes and beyond, exactly as envisaged, while self- and peer-assessment platforms and digital mentoring networks nurture lifelong learning skills.

The brief demanded greater inter-institution collaboration, blurred college-community boundaries and enhanced parental involvement. Our inclusive school design created a flexible campus with shared specialist facilities, extended services and accessible spaces that accommodate a constant flux of users. Paraprofessionals, voluntary sector workers, parents and community members actively contribute to learning on site, fostering a genuine culture of lifelong learning and social inclusion.

Since opening, this educational architecture has produced exceptional outcomes. Ofsted judged Catmose College Outstanding in every category in both 2012 and its most recent full inspection in March 2024. Academic performance has risen consistently: latest Progress 8 stands at +0.50, Attainment 8 at 52.21, with 80% of students achieving grade 4+ in English and mathematics (2025 GCSE results). The college is oversubscribed, ranks first in Oakham and Rutland for Progress 8, and excels in extracurricular and wellbeing programmes. Notably, the original Principal, Stuart Williams, who has led the college since 2008 and remains in post today, has reflected that the overall design has worked exceptionally well. He has stated that he has “never worked in a school building that works so well” and that the architecture has contributed significantly to the school’s sustained success and outstanding reputation.

Our post-occupancy evaluation programme – including stakeholder surveys, occupancy studies and performance benchmarking – demonstrates that the building continues to fulfil every aspiration in the original brief. Flexible learning environments support autonomous and activity-based learning; ICT enables anytime, anywhere access; community integration thrives; and the adaptable structure has seamlessly accommodated curriculum expansion and rising pupil numbers without major alteration.

This project stands as a benchmark in sustainable school buildings and innovative educational architecture. For school leaders, local authorities and clients seeking trusted school architects specialising in personalised learning environments, inclusive school design, flexible classroom architecture, community learning campuses or post-occupancy evaluation of educational buildings, Ellis-Miller + Partners offer proven expertise that transforms educational vision into long-term success.