CABE works to encourage better design of schools

In response to David Jones (Voxpop, DW 23 August), the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment undertakes a range of activities to ensure high-quality school design – including collaboration with head teachers. Our expert teams offer support to new schools projects from the outset.

This includes:
• Advising local authorities on the procurement process
• Assessing school designs
• Training school leaders and client design advisors
• Offering guidance and research
• Reviewing designs submitted by bidders for the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Cabe is working with the National College of School Leadership on its BSF programme. In June we published a guide – Creating Excellent Secondary Schools – that explains what is needed to achieve a well-designed school.

We have also worked with the Royal Institute of British Architects to set up a register of client design advisors, many of whom work in schools.
Mairi Johnson, Head of enabling (public buildings), Cabe, London WC2