Southwark Inclusive Learning Service Key Stage 3 (SILS 3) is a new school, a ‘Pupil Referral Unit’ (PRU) in Peckham, south London. The School is run by the London Borough of Southwark. The 11-14 year old pupils at SILS 3 are there for a number of reasons, typically because they have been excluded from, or have not been attending school. The aim of SILS 3 is to reintegrate these students back into mainstream school.

The design was based on observation, consultation and research into the life of a PRU and the design factors that could benefit children and teachers. Our aim was to make a light, spacious and calm educational environment that would improve the life chances of the children. It is secure and very robust without looking armoured or brutal, as such schools sometimes do. Above all, we wanted the building to feel cheerful and optimistic. On the outside the building is made of near-white brick, with big white window frames. Inside it has oak floors, maple joinery and pine ceilings.