Headingley Learning Centre

We recently transformed the Grade II listed Ford House building on Buckingham Road, Leeds into a bright and modern educational space for by West Oaks SEN.

Having started the project back in November 2021, we completed phase one of the works for the start of the new school year in September 2022, before completing the final phase in December 2022. With sensitive preservation and restoration of historical features, we have provided new facilities including high-quality classrooms, curriculum-focused outdoor play areas, a multi-use games area, interactive activity zones and exhibition space.

The modernisation of the 2,800 sqm building included new heating systems and insulation throughout.

All lime plastered walls, roof tiles, woodwork, sash windows, staircases and ceiling cornicing had to be reviewed and then either repaired or replaced, utilising the exact materials and methodology defined within the listing status.

The building’s two striking tower turrets, which are located around 50 meters up, had to be carefully removed via a crane lift and then refurbished and recoated off-site by a specialist contractor before put back into position.

The new campus is now home to around 120 West Oaks pupils who also have access to a ‘morning mile’ activity path which was created around the site perimeter, providing an important outdoor walking and running track.

We are proud to be an outstanding Leeds-based SEN provider and are excited by our new campus in Headingley. We are looking forward to the academic year ahead and integrating with the local community over the coming months and years.

Headingley Learning Centre is an exceptional facility I would like to thank all the teams involved in supporting us with the challenging project. Due to this further expansion, West Oaks in now one of the largest SEN schools in Europe, with 500 pupils and 240 staff across our three sites.

Andrew Hodgkinson, Principal, West Oaks School

Involved in this project