Foreland Fields School caters for approximately 220 pupils aged between 2 and 19 with Profound, Severe and Complex Needs including ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). It provides an outstanding level of specialist accommodation for students with Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties.

We were appointed in 2013 to carry out the acoustic design of the new school which replaced existing outdated facilities located in Margate. The new Foreland Fields School was relocated to Ramsgate. Our experience in this sector was considered outstanding by the contractor and our design met stringent requirements for children with specialist hearing and communication needs.

Linear design

The architectural layout of the school is arranged in a linear design by age group. This gives students a clear progression path through the key development stages. The school also has a Hydrotherapy Pool and various Sensory Rooms. Incorporated into the build are large areas of acoustic absorption. These help to fulfil the exacting standards set out in Building Bulletin 93 for teaching students with special hearing and communication needs. Our work also involved carrying out extensive computer modelling of plant noise to achieve the required BREEAM standard.

The school was completed in 2017 and offers an excellent environment in which the students can thrive and meet their true potential.

Client: Kent County Council

Architect: Hazle McCormack Young

Contractor: Kier Construction

MEP Provider: GDM Building Services

Contract value : £8m

Image credits: Hazle McCormack Young / Wealden Rehab