Planning approval secured for next phase of development at St Kentigern’s Academy
BDP has secured planning approval from West Lothian Council for the next phase of development at St Kentigern’s Academy. Designed to enhance the school’s teaching, social, and sports facilities, the new extension will create a modern and dynamic learning environment while forming a new focal point for the campus.
Guided by the client’s aspiration to draw inspiration from higher education learning environments, the design promotes collaboration, flexibility, and a sense of community. The development will offer innovative spaces that encourage independent learning and support diverse teaching methods.
The new extension will be located in front of the retained quadrangle teaching block, consolidating the school to the east of the site and creating a clear frontage with a dedicated pedestrian entrance plaza. A portion of the existing administration block will be repurposed as a link between the quadrangle and the new extension, improving connectivity across the campus. The site strategy ensures a clear separation between pedestrian and vehicular movement, with car parking, drop-off zones, and service areas positioned on the western side of the site. The existing all-weather pitch will also be retained as part of the development.
At the heart of the new extension is a two-storey atrium designed as a flexible social and learning space that connects key areas of the school. The atrium will house the school’s main dining space and provide open-plan environments for collaboration, alongside a social stair that serves as both tiered seating for performances and an accessible route between floors. The first-floor learning plaza will feature multi-purpose classrooms with adaptable layouts that encourage new ways of learning.
The new development will also enhance the school’s performance and sports facilities. A dedicated performance studio, positioned at the centre of the atrium, is designed for flexibility with folding partitions that allow it to open into adjacent spaces for larger events. The PE department will benefit from a new four-court games hall, a fitness suite, a gymnasium, and modern changing facilities with direct access to outdoor sports areas.
A dedicated pupil support zone on the first floor will offer a quieter, more discreet space while maintaining strong connections to the wider school environment.
“This next phase of development at St Kentigern’s Academy is all about creating a welcoming and inspiring place for students to learn, socialise, and grow. The extension has been designed to bring people together, making the school feel more connected while providing modern, flexible spaces that support both education and wellbeing. We’ve worked closely with the teachers and pupils to ensure the design reflects their needs, and we’re excited to see it take shape.”
