The Kier-built Writhlington School in Radstock has been recognised at the British Council for School Environments (BCSE) Awards where it scooped the top slot in the Excellence in Design - Teaching and Learning category for a new build secondary school.

BCSE is an education charity which pioneers and supports the creation of effective and efficient learning environments for all learners from early years to higher education. The national competition is run to showcase the best practice in UK design and construction of education space, and guests from all over the world attended the annual awards party, held in central London, to celebrate the winners.

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The £20.2m Writhlington School project for Bath and North East Somerset Council was officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent in May 2010. Designed by Aedas architects, and built by Kier Construction, the new school building has been praised for its modern, innovative and eco-friendly design.

The school, which specialises in business and enterprise, benefits from a modern 400-seat theatre, a business and enterprise learning zone and state-of-the-art IT facilities. Classrooms are naturally ventilated and heating and hot water is provided by biomass boilers. The development also includes new greenhouses with different climatic conditions as part of the school's nationally famous orchid project.

(CD/GK)