Pathways School: Innovative Off-Site Construction Delivers Top Facilities for SEMH Students
The staff and students at Pathways are taking full advantage of their brand-new purpose-built school in Dagenham. The 2,700m2 Pathways School caters for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) special needs, with capacity for 90 pupils between the ages of 7 to 18 years (year 3 to year 13). Pathways is among the first generation of SEMH Free Schools funded by the Department for Education and has been designed as a sustainably minded school that puts the needs and wellbeing of students first.
This fit-for-purpose, innovative project transformed a challenging brownfield site into a thriving learning environment that understands and supports student’s diverse needs. Integrated into Dagenham’s wider regeneration on the old Fords factory site, Pathways not only provides an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students but also provides a positive contribution to the local area, and a fantastic resource for the wider community.
A thoughtful and collaborative design approach
The design philosophy of Pathways School emphasises inclusivity and the enhancement of each student’s learning experience. HLM Architects crafted an all-through school that combines functionality, sustainability, and community integration, ensuring that the school aligns with DfE specifications.
The school’s holistic design approach considers the specific needs of SEMH pupils, incorporating carefully selected colours to help students process their environment and creating a sense of progression through different year groups. The durable finishes and structures ensure the school can withstand daily wear and tear, providing a lasting impact on its students and the community.
The success of Pathways School is a result of the collaborative efforts between Reds10, the Department of Education, The Eko Trust, and HLM Architects. This partnership ensured the design and delivery of a facility that meets the unique needs of SEMH students.
One benefit of using a volumetric solution for the school was that we were able to build a sample module during the design stage that was then rigorously tested in our factory facility. The headteacher was invited to review the design and test the robustness of the internals, such as doors, to ensure they would be suitable for the needs of the students in unsupervised areas. This collaborative approach allowed for modifications to be made to the design before the manufacture taking into consideration the complex needs of the students.
Diverse and Functional Spaces
Pathways School features a variety of spaces designed to support vocational learning and life skills. These include a hairdressing salon, a mechanical workshop, and several covered outdoor areas that extend learning beyond the classroom. A large playground and an astroturf football pitch offer spaces for physical activity and team sports, vital for the students’ overall development. The school’s layout includes Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form classrooms, each tailored to different age groups, and specific outdoor areas to ensure safe and age-appropriate learning and play.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is integral to Pathways School’s design. The building includes air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels producing over 64 kilowatts of electricity, and a wind catcher on the roof. The external materials were chosen for their sustainability credentials and durability, ensuring the school remains fit for purpose long into the future. Using Reds10’s Thrive™ SMART Building technology, the school can monitor energy usage and production through 400 data points, maximising energy efficiency.
Community Engagement and Social Value
Throughout the project, Reds10 engaged the local community and promoted the construction industry to younger generations. Over the course of the project, we:
- delivered 285 hours of careers talks and tours to 699 local students
- generated £7,268 in social value.
A Model of Innovation
Pathways School exemplifies the potential of off-site volumetric solutions to meet unique educational and site requirements
