Appleby Grammar School Secures Planning Approval

SPACE Architects is pleased to confirm that planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of Appleby Grammar School in Appleby-in-Westmorland. Delivered in collaboration with Morgan Sindall, the project marks an important milestone in the transformation of the school estate, designed to enhance learning environments while respecting the historic fabric of the site.

The scheme, approved by Westmorland and Furness Council, will see the construction of a new standalone three-storey teaching block to the west of the existing school buildings. Alongside this, the historic 1887 school building and the 1927 science block will be sensitively refurbished and reconnected via a new central walkway, which will include office space, administrative areas and the school’s main reception.

At the heart of the redevelopment is a drive to reduce overcapacity while delivering more contemporary, flexible teaching facilities that support the highest quality of education. The estate strategy responds to this by delivering approximately 80% of new buildings alongside the careful refurbishment of 20% of existing buildings, focusing on performance, adaptability and safeguarding.

The new teaching block will include a dining hall and food preparation area, food technology rooms, art studios, an assembly hall, activity spaces, general classrooms, science laboratories, and dedicated staff areas. The adjacent 1927 science building will be reimagined to house new music practice rooms, ensuring that the school’s creative offer continues to flourish within a historic setting.

The sports hall itself is an important shared community facility, with public access available via booking outside school hours. The school maintains priority access during the academic week, and the redevelopment seeks to preserve and enhance this relationship while addressing safeguarding and access concerns. Alongside this, the plans include a new multi-use games area, improvements to hard play spaces, and the retention of the school’s tennis courts and playing fields.

A significant reconfiguration of access across the site is also offered. This will improve the flow of pupils, staff and visitors, ease congestion at key arrival and departure points, and further enhance safeguarding. Improved parking, bus drop-off and access routes will create a more efficient and safer experience for everyone using the school site.

The project also places a strong emphasis on preserving key heritage buildings. The Grade II listed elements of the site will be carefully retained and enriched, reflecting their importance not only as architectural assets but as symbols of the school’s deep-rooted history and enduring connection to the local community.

SPACE Architects is proud to be delivering a project that meets both the educational and community needs of Appleby Grammar School, supporting its continued growth. We look forward to seeing the next stage of this unique project come to life.