Welcome to our second public consultation. This follows our first event in June and comes ahead of our proposed planning application submission to Merton Council, planned for later this year.
This exhibition marks the next stage in our ongoing consultation with the local community, key stakeholders and our wider school community to help shape the future of the former Ursuline Preparatory School campus on The Downs, into a new, purpose-built, co-educational junior school for King’s College School, Wimbledon.
Overview
Earlier this year, we shared our emerging plans for the redevelopment of the site. This included outlining our evidence-based assessment of the existing buildings and our conclusion that a replacement building, done once and done well, was preferred.This approach would be of most benefit to both the school and the local community, creating a building that would be more sustainable for generations to come, combined with being more accessible and functional.
We also outlined our plans to use The Downs’ natural topography to enhance the site’s footprint and to create a balance of indoor and outdoor space.
We want to hear from you
The materials on display today – and on our website – outline our evolved vision for the new junior school.
Please explore our proposed plans and feel free to ask the project team any questions. We would also appreciate it if you could fill out a feedback form after reviewing the material.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
View of setback main pupil entrance on The Downs
About King’s
King’s is one of the world’s leading independent schools, originally founded as the junior department of King’s College London, with a forward-looking approach to education.
King’s believes in offering each of its pupils an outstanding educational experience, with ‘education in Mind, Spirit and Heart’, and the best possible preparation for their lives in the world beyond school
At The Downs, we intend to create a new, world-class, co-educational campus for our junior pupils (aged 7-11). This represents a rare and significant opportunity to invest in the future of education in our community: securing the site’s educational use and delivering modern, sustainable facilities that will make a positive contribution to the futures of our pupils and the local area.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Shared priorities
Ongoing discussions with residents, community groups, planning officers, and the wider school community – including feedback from the first exhibition in June 2025 – have helped shape our design priorities.
Overall, we were delighted to have received a positive reception to our vision. The majority of feedback received has been supportive of our plans for a modern, sustainable junior school.
In summary, the feedback highlights that those responding share three key priorities that have been part of the project from the outset.
• Access and transport management: Vehicle management was a key topic, particularly around drop-off and pick-up times.
• Design sensitivity: All stakeholders are keen to see a design that is high in quality and champions longevity.
• Environmental considerations: Stakeholders stressed the importance of biodiversity and ensuring the new school is as green and sustainable as possible.
These shared priorities have shaped the proposals for many months and continue to underpin the proposals put forward today.
As part of the review of the feedback and refinement of the proposals over the summer, the team has prioritised the following elements:
• Ensuring that the building is sensitively embedded into the site and its surroundings, and that we landscape the area with mature trees and planting.
• Looking at the details around vehicular and pedestrian movement and how this school site functioned historically and can be developed for the future.
• Developing and defining the campus’ key internal spaces for learning, playing and socialising, as well as for public use.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Image of a previous consultation event
Sustainability
At King’s, we recognise that the responsible and sustainable management of the environment is one of the key challenges that must be addressed to have a thriving and healthy society, both locally and globally, in the future.
We are committed to continuing to take the practical steps needed to become environmentally sustainable today, and instilling the ambition in our pupils to take action to protect the environment.
In this project, we are committed to: lowering operational energy, reducing embodied carbon, enhancing wellbeing and biodiversity for all and working towards Net Zero Carbon across our campus.
To help us achieve this, we are targeting:
BREEAM Excellent
A 35% reduction in CO2 emissions
A 10% Biodiversity Net Gain
New planting and green infrastructure to help boost biodiversity h h s s d d d d a a
As part of the evolving proposals, the team at King’s are seeking to include a wide range of measures on the junior school site to help achieve these targets, including:
Installing solar panels on suitable roof spaces
Allowing the design to promote natural ventilation thorough out the building
Rainwater harvesting system for WC flushing and irrigation
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Full LED lighting with smart controls and daylight dimming
Design
The design of the new building has been carefully developed through testing and feedback from earlier stages of engagement with local residents and key stakeholders.
The look and feel of the architecture echo and strengthen the original design concept, using materials that complement the surroundings.
Part of the site will be set into the hillside, using the natural topography of The Downs to create a lower-ground level set upon a solid base (or plinth) that supports the rest of the building. Planting will soften and blend this base into the landscape, creating a natural connection between the building and outdoor communal space.
The new main entrance on The Downs will provide a clear and welcoming first impression for visitors to the junior school, while remaining in keeping with the wider conservation area.
Local materials
In response to feedback, we’ve updated our design to feature more red brick on street-facing elevations, reflecting the local character of The Downs. Timber will now be used for detailing and screening elements, softening the building’s appearance while maintaining the warm, natural feel originally intended for the junior school.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
CGI image of the new school building and dining hall.
CGI of design detail to promote play
Inside the new building
In June, we were not able to share internal floorplans as the design work was still in progress. We are now pleased to do so with these three floorplans.
These plans reflect King’s ethos of educating pupils in Mind, Spirit and Heart.
Lower ground floor
Pupils will enter via a dedicated lower-ground entrance beside the playground and cycle storage. This level features a hall space with the flexibility to accommodate performances, assemblies, talks and gatherings, as well as music rooms with practice areas and teaching spaces.
The dining room opens onto the main outdoor play space and connects easily to all levels.
Ground floor
Visitors will enter via a welcoming main entrance from The Downs, leading to reception on the left and views into the hall on the right, with a glazed wall separating public and pupil areas.
The central hub houses offices, gathering and breakout spaces; a striking staircase allows for a light atrium space and links all levels; while eight bright classrooms at the rear create a focused learning zone, as well as spaces for form groups and pastoral care.
First floor
The first floor contains four additional general classrooms alongside specialist spaces for Science, Art, IT, and Design Engineering, allowing easy movement between lessons.
At its centre is a spacious, modern library – a key feature of the school –which opens directly onto a roof terrace for outdoor learning and quiet play. Wide, light-filled circulation areas will encourage informal learning and social interaction.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Outdoor space
These spaces will allow for a variety of types of play, along with opportunities for teaching and learning about the natural world. Importantly, these outdoor spaces will provide a continuation and enhancement of The Downs’ green and leafy feel.
Landscaped plinth
A landscaped ‘plinth’ upon which the building sits is a key aspect of the proposals, blending the meeting of the building and the landscape. Embedded within the slope of the site, planting and greenery will flow through and over it, offering areas to sit, play and gather.
Play area Multi-use Games Area (MUGA)
The primary play space, located directly off the building entrance at the lower ground level, provides ample room for active play and social interaction.
The existing site has a multi-use games area MUGA, which will be preserved for the new junior school.
To the east of the main playground is an additional area featuring seating steps alongside the MUGA and an amphitheatre-style area, creating spots for gathering and informal learning.
Roof terrace
The proposed roof terrace offers an outdoor area ideal for quieter learning activities and small group use, as well as the possibility of outdoor and handson learning about the natural world.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
The Downs frontage
We have made a number of considered changes to the building’s frontage in response to feedback from a variety of local stakeholders.
While the overall layout and design remain similar, reflecting neighbouring properties, we have worked hard to ensure the front elevation mirrors the building opposite in both scale and setback depth from the street line.
We have also introduced softer architectural features, including carefully positioned windows, signage and a roof terrace parapet, to help break up the facade.
The proposed landscaping facing The Downs has been developed further to help naturally screen the building and give it a greener, more welcoming feel, making sure it sits comfortably in its leafy setting – whilst also helping boost both on-site and local opportunities for nature and wildlife to thrive.
CGI Front Elevation
CGI of the new school entrance, looking up The Downs
Entrance and arrival
The main entrance to the junior school will come off The Downs, via a wide stepped approach directly up to the front doors.
An accessible route is provided just to the north of these steps where levels are better suited for a gentle gradient to the building for those with additional access needs.
The primary pupil entrance will be at the south, with a clear route to the main playground and into the pupil entrance of the building.
Covered cycle and scooter parking is located along this route, with additional, secure bike parking for staff provided at the north of the site.
This space can be used by parents dropping-off or collecting their children, with on-street plans agreed with Merton Council, aided by King’s College School staff to help manage the process.
For safeguarding reasons, access to the main playground beyond will be gated.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
CGI Pupils entrance
CGI pupils’ entrance
Environmental considerations: landscaping, trees and planting
We understand the important role that trees and plants play in supporting the environment, improving air quality and enhancing the setting of our junior school and the wider neighbourhood.
That is why, as part of our proposals, we will:
Ensure existing boundary planting is largely retained to preserve the site character and privacy for our neighbours.
Plant new trees, shrubs, green walls, and flowers to help soften the new building.
Enhance the setting within the local area, improving visual amenity, strengthen on-site greenery, and contribute towards Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.
We recognise the value of trees in improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the setting of our junior school and wider neighbourhood.
That’s why we’ve developed a careful tree retention strategy, aiming to keep as many trees as possible. The vast majority will be retained. However, a very small number of low quality trees must be removed.
To compensate, we will plant new trees, across our wider local school campus, resulting in a net gain.
We’ll also add features like bird boxes and hedgehog highways to further support nature on The Downs site.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Accessibility and transport management
We understand that drop-off, parking and site access are among the most important considerations for both residents and parents.
At King’s, we take our role as a considerate neighbour seriously. That’s why we have developed a comprehensive and carefully thought-out transport plan – in partnership with Merton Council – that reduces car dependency and manages access in a safe, efficient and respectful way.
As part of this approach, we will continue to promote our existing Travel Plan, which is already accredited at Gold level by Transport for London. This includes encouraging pupils and staff to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible, and limiting access for private cars.
On-site parking
Over 30% of our junior school pupils are likely to arrive by coach, with others arriving either on foot, by public transport or by bike or scooter to the site.
A significant proportion of our current pupils use our established school coach service which drops pupils off at the Glencairn Road entrance, they will then be escorted to The Downs by school staff. There will be no coach access to The Downs.
Drop-off/pick-up
We are continuing to work with schools both on The Downs and locally to best manage these periods - for example, by coordinating arrival and departure times.
This work is ongoing.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
There will be no parking on-site, other than one accessible space for staff members or visitors.
Inclusive access across the site
Our new campus design aims to make significantly more of the site accessible than has previously been the case, ensuring that all can access the opportunities on offer.
Once inside the school grounds, pupils and staff will have step-free access to key areas, including the multi-use games area (MUGA), which supports active play and physical learning.
A lift will provide direct access to the rooftop learning terrace, offering a flexible outdoor teaching space that’s available to everyone.
Coach over car
Our commitment to the local community
and Construction management
At King’s College School we are committed to being good neighbours, across our campus and wider sphere of local influence.
The entire school community is committed to fostering strong, positive relationships with our neighbours, minimising the impact of redevelopment works.
The school takes a proactive approach to community engagement and responsible construction practices. These include:
• Regular updates for local residents and stakeholders through newsletters, meetings and our website
• An open and proactive approach to community use of school facilities for events and activities where possible
• Acting on feedback from neighbours to improve collaboration and mutual understanding
Construction Management Plan
If we were to be granted planning permission, King’s would enter a legally binding Construction Management Plan with Merton Council. It is likely to follow the below guidance:
• Strict measures in place to reduce noise, dust and disruption to neighbours
• Works to be timed to avoid school pick-up/drop-off times and minimise local traffic impacts
• Site access carefully controlled to ensure safety for pedestrians and students
• Contractors required to adhere to considerate construction standards at all times
This collaborative approach will help ensure the school remains a respectful and responsible part of the local community.
King’s College School, Wimbledon
0800 689 5209
hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Thank you and next steps
Your input matters and we are always keen to hear from you!
You can leave your comments via the feedback form available here today or on our website.
The closing date for feedback is midnight on 29th October 2025.
If there is a local group, charity or business you think we should talk to, please let us know on your feedback form. Thank you for helping us reach our whole community.
You can leave feedback by:
Filling in a feedback form today at the exhibition
Filling in a feedback form online at: bit.ly/KCS-JS (or via the QR code opposite)
Emailing your comments to: hello@kcsconsultation.org.uk
Next steps
Following this second round of public consultation, our team will review your feedback before submitting a planning application to Merton Council in late 2025.
