Architects help shape new era at St Peter’s

A York-based architectural practice is helping reshape one of the country’s oldest schools as it embarks on a major campus transformation.

brown + company, headquartered on Blossom Street, is working with St Peter’s School in Clifton as it moves from a three-school to a two-school model ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. 

Founded in 627, seven years before Saint Cuthbert was born, the school is introducing a streamlined structure designed to create a seamless journey from nursery to sixth form.

The project began with a masterplan for the campus, now being delivered in phases. 

Key elements include a dedicated Junior School for pre-school to year 6 pupils and a new sixth form centre. 

Works also cover the remodelling of the dining hall, conversion of boarding houses into a sixth form hub and nursery facilities, a new science block façade and refurbishment of existing spaces, including the library and cricket pavilion.

The overhaul aims to improve efficiency while supporting long-term campus investment.

Neil Brown, managing director of brown + company, said: “This is an important commission for us and it is an honour to be working alongside a school with such a rich heritage and a first-class academic reputation as St Peter’s.”

Toby Harling, associate at brown + company, added: “In addition to all these projects, we are also providing consultation boards for parents, staff and pupils and providing support for planning applications and listed building applications when required.

“As you can imagine, this is an important commission for us – and we are loving every minute. 

“After all, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to substantially redesign and remodel the campus of one of the oldest schools in the UK.”

Jeremy Walker, headmaster of St Peter’s, added: “The design and architectural work that Neil, Toby Harling and Rachel Crooks at brown + company are doing at St Peter’s is magnificent. 

“The remodelling of our campus is one of the most important changes in the recent history of the school, as we move from a three-school to a two-school model.

“Toby and Rachel instinctively understand the nature of St Peter’s, its ethos, character and its rhythms and have the experience and expertise to translate our vision into an impressive aesthetic and practical environment for our school as we build a sustainable future. 

“brown + company is the perfect partner for us as we embark on this crucial journey.

“As we approach our 1400th anniversary and celebrate 50 years of co-education, we are investing in the future to ensure the school continues to thrive and deliver outstanding education for generation to come.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →