After months of anticipation and a year of construction, The Paragon School, an
outstanding Prep and Pre-Prep school in Bath for children aged 3–11, is delighted to see
its major new classroom extension now in use this spring, adding four spacious, stateof-the-art learning spaces.
The school is set in the historic valley of Lyncombe Vale, occupying a distinctive site
surrounded by mature woodland – a unique setting that provides both a sense of
heritage and an inspiring backdrop for education.
The project began in 2021, when Nugent Vallis & Brierley Architects were commissioned
to reimagine how the school’s site could better serve pupils and its wider role in the
local area. The brief was ambitious: to create modern, flexible classrooms, improve
accessibility, and ensure the school continues to evolve for future generations, while
respecting the character and natural contours of the site.
Particular care has been taken to ensure the new extension sits harmoniously alongside
the school’s existing Georgian architecture, with a considered use of proportion,
materials and detailing that reflects the elegance and balance of the original buildings
while expressing a confident contemporary identity.
The completed extension now provides four bright, open classrooms designed to inspire
curiosity and collaboration. Set within the woodland environment, the building
combines contemporary architectural design with a calm, uplifting atmosphere and a
strong connection to nature. Large windows frame views of the surrounding trees and
maximise natural light, creating a stimulating space for pupils as they learn and explore.
The flexible layout allows the classrooms to support a variety of lessons and activities
across the school, and they will also be available for use for initiatives such as holiday
clubs, enrichment activities, and small-scale venue hire.
Alongside the new classrooms, the project will enable the transformation of existing
spaces into a dedicated STEM hub. Cookery, Design and Technology, and Computing
will be brought together in one area, providing additional space and further enhancing
hands-on, practical learning opportunities.
The Paragon continues to offer a rich and engaging curriculum, with specialist teaching
across music, languages, art, games, and swimming, ensuring a broad and balanced
education that nurtures every pupil.
Mr Malcolm Bond, Head of School, commented:
“It has been wonderful to explore the new classrooms with pupils following their return
from the Easter break, and to see classes already settling into learning, creating and
collaborating. The children are clearly excited to be in their new environment, and there
is a real sense of energy across the school as they make the space their own. This has
been a significant project for the school, and we are very grateful to everyone who has
played a part in bringing it to life.”
The build was delivered by Gaiger Brothers, whose professionalism and attention to
detail were particularly valued within the live school environment.
Book a tour of The Paragon: www.paragonschool.co.uk/admissions