St John’s Wood School has recently undergone a significant restoration project aimed at enhancing both the structural integrity and the aesthetic appeal of the historic building.  Nestled in a picturesque conservation area, this vital work has helped preserve the school’s unique architectural features while ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for students. 

The comprehensive scope of the project involved several key activities focused on addressing various aspects of the building:

Stone Masonry Repairs & Brick Replacement

Expert stone masons meticulously carried out extensive repairs to the existing stone masonry, ensuring that any damaged bricks were replaced to enhance the longevity of the structure.

External Repairs & Roof Replacement

The project also included significant external repairs alongside the complete renovation of the roofing system. This not only improved the building’s water resistance but also contributed to enhanced energy efficiency.

Chimney Pot Restoration

Thirteen chimney pots were carefully restored to match the original architectural design, allowing them to function effectively while preserving their historical character.

Copula Restoration

A prominent feature of the building, the front copula was restored to its former glory, benefiting from essential structural repairs and aesthetic enhancements.

Window Repairs and Replacement

More than 100 windows were either repaired or replaced as part of the project, ensuring they complied with modern standards while respecting the school’s historical design.

Throughout the restoration, strict adherence to local conservation regulations was maintained, ensuring that all modifications honoured the building’s historical significance.

Challenges Overcome

The project faced various challenges, particularly in preserving the unique architectural elements of the school, which required a comprehensive understanding of traditional building techniques. Additionally, unpredictable weather conditions sometimes impacted the timeline, necessitating efficient planning and execution to minimise delays.

The achievement of this project has rejuvenated the aesthetic and functional aspects of St John’s Wood School, allowing it to retain its historical charm while providing an updated, safe space for students. The school now stands as a beautifully restored educational facility, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations for years to come.

Looking Ahead

Exciting plans are already in place for the summer holidays, as we prepare to return to St John’s Wood School for further improvements. Future works will include:

• Decoration of the sports hall
• Repairs and decoration of water-damaged areas on the top floor
• Restoration of ceilings in the first-floor office and ground-floor meeting room
• Installation of a new ceiling and ceiling repairs to the playground store
• Replacement of vinyl and redecoration of the first floor of the sports hall
• Installation of new flat roof to the upper school.
• Stone repairs/pointing to the upper school
• Further window repairs.

Project case study: https://www.loganconstruction.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/St-Johns-Wood-School.pdf

Client: Westminster City Council

Procurement Route: Westminster City Council Framework

Architect: AtkinsRealis

PM: AtkinsRealis