JAGS Pre-Prep proposals. Artist's impression of how the new building may look

Artist’s impression of how the new Pre-Prep building may look

The Why

Designed originally to provide residential accommodation, our existing Victorian-era Pre-Prep building was opened 33 years ago. Since then, the building has been extended and converted a number of times to ensure we continue to provide the very highest educational experience.

However, it has become apparent in recent years that the building is too small and constrained for pupils and staff, and will not meet the future needs and aspirations of the school.

The 1960s residential buildings we own at 152-154 East Dulwich Grove have been unoccupied for some time. These houses therefore offer an exciting opportunity to deliver a Pre-Prep that can provide contemporary, innovative, flexible and inspiring educational spaces.

The Proposals

  • Deliver a new Pre-Prep facility consisting of two buildings on land that is currently owned by JAGS and is occupied by unused 1960s housing.

  • The Pre-Prep will encompass a three-storey main teaching building and a separate double-height hall, set back from the street to maintain adjacent building lines.

  • Ensure a key but disused local site is put to use, while significantly improving the visual appeal of the local street scene.

  • Deliver attractive buildings that are in-keeping with this part of the Dulwich Village Conservation Area.

  • Provide a broad range of high-quality teaching and learning facilities.

  • Improve connectivity to the established JAGS school site, bringing the main school and the Pre-Prep facility closer together.

  • Expanding our bicycle and scooter storage to encourage active travel to and from the school.

  • The building has been designed to achieve Net Zero in Operation as the grid decarbonises. It is powered only by electricity, which is increasingly generated through renewable and low carbon sources.

  • Our proposals also include the provision of new residential accommodation on the former Pre-Prep site at 2 Dulwich Village. The housing we will provide on the old site is currently being discussed with Southwark Council and will be the subject of a separate planning application.

How the proposed building could fit into the context of East Dulwich Grove

The Objectives

Develop a forward thinking and exciting Pre-Prep providing exceptional learning facilities for academic excellence, as well as inspirational and innovative spaces for different types of learning. The new school will provide high quality design in all spaces with considered use of natural light, internal comfort and spaces for contemporary pedagogy and play.

Create a welcoming building that provides inclusive and fully accessible opportunities and environment for all pupils, staff and visitors.

Create a sustainable school, addressing social, economic and environmental sustainability and taking into account whole-life carbon. The project will achieve minimum BREEAM ‘Excellent’.