Notting Hill & Ealing Junior School Triumphs with Prestigious RIBA Award
Second major award for Ealing school’s inspiring new learning environment
The Junior School at Notting Hill & Ealing High School has received a prestigious 2026 Regional Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), marking this the School’s second major architectural accolade in recognition of its sustainable Junior School building in less than a year.
The accolade follows the school’s 2025 Education Award win from New London Architecture (NLA), further cementing the Junior School’s reputation as one of London’s most forward-thinking educational environments.
Designed by acclaimed architects Hawkins\Brown, the building was praised by the RIBA London jury as “a carefully composed and deeply considered educational building” that supports learning “through its very fabric”.
RIBA London Jury Chair, Amir Sanei, said:
“In its synthesis of contextual sensitivity, spatial generosity, and environmental intelligence, Notting Hill & Ealing High School Junior School raises the standard for contemporary educational architecture. It is a building that supports learning not only through its programme, but through its very fabric – an environment that inspires, nurtures, and equips its users for the future.”
Developed through extensive engagement with pupils and staff, the new Junior School combines thoughtful educational design with strong environmental credentials. Its articulated forms and pitched rooflines respond sensitively to the surrounding Victorian streetscape of West London, while creating light-filled, flexible spaces that encourage creativity, curiosity and collaboration.
Kate Bevan, Head of Junior School at Notting Hill & Ealing High School, said:
“To receive a RIBA Award following our earlier NLA recognition is incredibly special and reflects the ambition behind this project from the very beginning. We wanted to create a school environment that would genuinely enrich children’s daily experiences – a place that inspires curiosity, creativity and confidence, while supporting wellbeing and a love of learning.
“The building has transformed how our pupils learn and interact, with spaces that encourage collaboration, independence and hands-on discovery both inside and outdoors. We are proud that this exceptional learning environment, right here in Ealing, is now being recognised as an example of innovative and sustainable school design.”
The new Junior School is an environmentally responsible facility designed to provide outstanding teaching and learning spaces for generations to come. The building follows a simple, welcoming layout, with two pitched-roof buildings connected by a central block that creates a clear entrance from the street.
A rich palette of materials – including vibrant green glazed brick, hit-and-miss brickwork and a central rooftop lantern – gives the building a distinctive identity while responding thoughtfully to its local context.
The development includes 14 new classrooms for Junior School pupils, additional Sixth Form classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, a light-filled library and a large multi-purpose hall. Outdoor learning and play are central to the design, with a science garden, forest school area, dedicated Reception play space and additional playgrounds for older pupils, helping to make learning active, exploratory and hands-on throughout the school day.
More information about this award can be found on RIBA’s website:
