Lisburne School

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council appointed AtkinsRéalis to design a new primary school for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Offerton, Stockport - a flagship facility for 208 pupils aged 4-11 with a wide range of complex learning needs.

From RIBA Stage 1 through to completion in November 2024, the project aimed to create far more than a functional building. It was an opportunity to craft an inclusive, nurturing environment that empowers every learner to thrive.

The challenge was multifaceted:

• Reduce the building footprint while maximising outdoor learning and play
• Integrate passive environmental design to support pupil wellbeing and reduce energy use
• Create a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces
• Provide calm, nature‑connected environments suitable for students with diverse sensory and developmental needs.

Our Approach

AtkinsRéalis worked closely with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), the school’s leadership, and main contractor Kier to develop a design that prioritised play, safety, accessibility, and a strong connection to nature.

Key design strategies included:

Maximising outdoor learning potential

Thoughtfully arranged buildings create mini courtyard gardens, sheltered outdoor classrooms, and covered external walkways that double as circulation routes. 

Supporting wellbeing through passive design
Classrooms were designed to control daylight, ventilation and overheating naturally, using mixed‑mode solutions to reduce energy use while maintaining a calm, regulated environment for pupils.

Enabling inclusive access to outdoor play
A generous first floor terrace provides level access outdoor space directly from the upper teaching areas. This allows pupils with disabilities to enjoy outdoor play and fresh air without needing to travel to the ground floor, supporting independence, dignity and equal participation. 

A warm, welcoming environment 
A simple combination of robust brickwork at ground level and timber cladding at upper levels creates a soft and domestic character. This supports comfort, reduces visual overwhelm, and blends the school sympathetically with its natural surroundings.

Working with the surrounding environment
The design layout was shaped around:

• Connections to northern views and natural activity
• Protected green space to the east
• Links to the wider school campus to the south
• Shielding from future housing development to the west. 

The Solution

The completed 5,478 sqm school - delivered for £18 million - provides a purpose‑built environment that feels uplifting, adaptable, and deeply connected to nature. It supports a wide range of needs through:

• Flexible classroom layouts that encourage engagement and adapt to different learning styles.
• Specialist spaces, including sensory rooms, rebound therapy rooms, and quiet breakout areas.
• A landscape-led masterplan offering rich outdoor experiences that aid physical, social and cognitive development.
• Improved environmental performance, meeting BREEAM Very Good standards and reducing long‑term operational impact.

The school has already been recognised as a significant advancement in Stockport’s SEND provision. Luke Green, Head of Capital and Technical Services at SMBC, described it as “a flagship school” that will inspire generations of pupils. Educators have also noted marked improvements in student engagement thanks to its adaptable, inclusive design.

Lisburne School now stands as a model for modern, inclusive educational environments - demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can support every child’s potential, foster community, and enrich learning in meaningful ways.

The project has been awarded Project of the Year – Inclusive Design at the Education Estates Awards 2025 and has also been shortlisted for SEND Project of the Year at the Education Property Awards 2026.