John Hanson Community School, Andover
New secondary school
The new John Hanson Community School, originally founded in 1569 and previously
on another site, provides 950 secondary school places and opened to pupils
in September 2002.
The design exploits the site’s natural contours and south-westerly aspect. The buildings nestle into the landscape along the boundary, leaving space for the playing fields to the north.
Following the ‘courtyard’ rather than ‘street’ model the school creates a stimulating and secure environment in which young people can learn and develop. The courtyard is the social hub of the school. The three-storey main teaching building acts as a backdrop on the north side. The performing arts centre, dining hall, gymnasium and sports hall are arranged around the other sides, allowing sunlight to penetrate deep into the central space and views out.
Balconies, an external staircase, portico and covered walkways together
with an integral landscape design offer the opportunity for pupils to circulate
and socialise.
