St Dunstan’s College has marked the start of a new development with a ‘ground breaking’ event, celebrating the fact that Willmott Dixon has now started work on a junior school, STEM building and sixth form centre. The new school facilities will open in 2021.

During the event, Willmott Dixon gave a group of junior and senior pupils a tour of the building site and explained to them what would be happening over the next 18 months, before pupils got a chance to have photos taken in the digger.

The development is significant for the school as it will not only benefit the school community, but also the local community.

St Dunstan’s headmaster, Nicholas Hewlett, said: “This represents the most significant redevelopment of our college sites since our foundation in Catford, in 1888. I feel sure our founders and benefactors would be proud of the innovative new buildings that are being constructed, as records show they were intent that a St Dunstan’s education should be ‘ahead of the current time’.

“As one of the first schools in the world to have invested in science and technology laboratories, it seems fitting that 130 years on, we are creating state of the art STEM facilities for the next generation of Dunstonians.”

As one of the first schools in the world to have invested in science and technology laboratories, it seems fitting that 130 years on, we are creating state of the art STEM facilities for the next generation

The school’s bursar Clair Wilkins said: “Finally breaking the ground on this monumental project marks the start of an extremely exciting period for the College.

“Once completed, this beautifully designed building will provide our community with dedicated and specialist spaces for science, technology, engineering and maths as well as a sixth form hub with cafe and university style study spaces. In addition, the long awaited new junior school will significantly enhance the indoor and outdoor learning environments for our pupils.”

Development of school facilities

Designed by Bond Bryan, the new development will be sited adjacent to the existing historic headmaster’s house and be connected by a glass atrium.

Built over two, three and four storeys, phase one will see demolition of some existing building and the construction of the new junior school that will provide a stimulating learning environment – with specialist facilities for art, music and performance – whilst providing unrestricted access to age-appropriate sporting facilities across the elevated playing areas and the two multi-use games areas (MUGAs).

Phase two will see the delivery of the STEM centre and sixth form centre; these cutting-edge facilities will consolidate STEM subjects into a modern central space. The hub will also provide university-style learning, including independent study spaces and social areas and a café.

Adam Worrall, director for Willmott Dixon in the London and South said: “We are delighted to celebrate this official milestone and see work start on site for this fantastic project. This development will deliver a world-class inspirational learning space that will complement St Dunstan’s teaching for many years to come.”

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