Hillingdon to see brand new sustainable school

The London borough of Hillingdon is to see the creation of some much-needed school places thanks to the opening of a brand new facility in Hayes. Lake Farm Academy, located adjacent to Lake Farm Country Park, has turned heads due to its design, which is primarily based around sustainability.

The school will accommodate 630 primary school students along with 90 nursery-age children. There will also be room for 12 students with special educational needs. Hillingdon Council leader Ray Puddlefoot said: "Our priority is to make sure that every child in Hillingdon receives the outstanding education they deserve and we are proud to be able to provide this to the children of Hayes in such a superb facility."

The most innovative feature of this new school is its commitment to sustainability. The design utilises a range of energy-saving technologies to save on electricity and water use. It also has an orchard, bat and bird homes and even a kitchen garden.

Parents are being encouraged to walk or cycle their children to school rather than drive them, with the school featuring a 70-space cycle park. It also has a car park, which will be available to people using the country park on weekends.

"We are firmly committed to investing in our future and building classrooms of the right quality, in the right place," said Mr Puddlefoot.

The school has been constructed as part of the council's £150 million investment in providing new school places for Hillingdon's primary-age children. It wants to make sure all schoolchildren have a place to learn that is close to their home.

The final bricks on Lake Farm Academy were laid on Friday (August 8th). Mr Puddlefoot was joined by Catherine Dann, the mayor of Hillingdon, and David Simmons, the cabinet member for education and children's services.

Published 14th August, 2014

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