The Grove Primary School

Designing Educational Buildings to Inspire Learning

As part of Wiltshire Council’s Modular Replacement Programme, Footprint Architects was commissioned to develop a feasibility study for replacing ageing modular units at The Grove Primary School. The new build delivers four Key Stage 2 classrooms alongside a two-classroom SEN Resource Base with group rooms, hygiene, sensory and staff spaces.

Building on our successful model at nearby Holbrook Primary, the design offers both efficiency and adaptability. At The Grove, the typology has been finely tuned to meet the needs of the site and the school community—providing an educational space that is uplifting, inclusive and long-lasting.

Sustainability

The building achieves net zero carbon in operation through passive ventilation with heat recovery, supported by solar PV panels and air source heat pumps. Low-carbon brick and FSC-certified timber reduce embodied impact, while bat and bird boxes and retained habitats enhance biodiversity.

Context & Place

The design reflects Trowbridge’s Georgian character through brick and slate-effect materials that echo the local vernacular. Glazed links and colonnades improve connectivity, and the building is carefully positioned to protect outdoor space and ecology.

People & Communities

End-of-life modular units are replaced with uplifting learning spaces, including 20 additional SEN places to meet local need. Developed in collaboration with the school and council, the scheme improves access to outdoor play and supports inclusive education.

A Repeatable Model Tailored to Context

To support Wiltshire Council’s programme for modernising school accommodation, Footprint Architects developed a scheme to replace the outdated modular buildings at The Grove Primary School. The proposal introduced four new Key Stage 2 classrooms alongside a specialist SEN Resource Base.

The approach evolves a successful model previously delivered at Holbrook Primary, adapting it to the particular constraints and opportunities of The Grove. This refinement enhances efficiency while enabling future flexibility in how spaces are used.

Careful attention has been given to how the new accommodation will serve pupils and staff day-to-day. The design aims to provide a robust and uplifting learning environment that nurtures inclusion and supports long-term educational outcomes.

At The Grove, the typology has been finely tuned to meet the needs of the site and the school community, providing an educational space that is uplifting, inclusive and long-lasting.

Context-Responsive and Child-Focused

Set on the edge of historic Trowbridge, the building sensitively responds to its context with pale brickwork, Georgian-inspired banding and a colonnade that connects to the existing school. The constrained site called for sensitive positioning, preserving habitats and incorporating biodiversity enhancements such as bat and swallow boxes.

Playful details such as tactile timber cladding, vibrant yellow window reveals and rhythmic vertical banding support wayfinding, identity and delight. The building strengthens The Grove’s sense of place while prioritising user wellbeing and environmental performance.

Footprint Architect's concept design for the new educational building at Grove School. Showing specialised features to improve engagement

Footprint Architect's concept design for the new educational building at Grove School in context with the natural environment

Proposed site plan for Grove School including concept sketch of new facilities designed by Footprint Architects

Conscious Materials for Sustainable Schools - Low-energy school building Trowbridge

Existing site plan and location analysis of the Grove Primary School

Architectural plan highlighting existing adjacencies onsite for the new educational building

Built for Sustainability and Inclusion

The building is net zero in operation, using a combination of passive strategies – vaulted ceilings, NVHR chimneys, natural ventilation – and low-energy systems including rooftop solar panels and air source heat pumps.

The expansion supports an additional 20 SEN places, addressing a vital need in the community and ensuring all pupils have access to healthy, supportive and inclusive learning environments.

Robust, durable materials ensure longevity, while a participatory design process gave school leaders and stakeholders the tools to shape an environment that reflects their aspirations. It’s a clear example of how thoughtful school architecture can create social value and long-term impact.

Lasting Value

This project exemplifies Footprint’s specialism in primary school and SEN architecture, and our commitment to designing educational buildings that inspire learning. With robust detailing, natural daylight, carefully curated materials and efficient environmental systems, The Grove Primary School offers a sustainable, inclusive, and enriching space that will serve future generations.

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