The Kensington area suffers some of the worst deprivation, disaffection and social dislocation in the country. There are evident signs of abandonment, poor quality housing and high numbers of vacant and quickly drelict properties characterise the streets around Kensington Infant and Junior Schools. During the last four years there has been a steady increase in drugs and arms related crimes in the area. Domestic violence is on the increase and there are very few facilities for children and youg people in the area. The number of youngsters coming together in street gangs is growing and the area suffers from a high degree of vandalism, arson and threatening behaviour from children and Police confim to be out of control. The schools are subject to trespass from a range of youths who are threatening and abusive. Changes in housing policy have resulted in an increasingly transient school population as families move in and out of Housing Association properties. A growing number of children admitted to both schools are subject to care orders and have either failed to attned school regularly or have been admitted with several schools within the short time they have been of school age. Low parental expectations of education lead to poor school attendance. The basic design philosophy was to create a new, inspirational single school building, combining the two schools under one roof, yet enabling them to maintain their separate identities, whilst sharing facilities as appropriate. The stting of the school on the site and the creation of an accessible external learning environment was also a high priority. It is felt by the schools and the New Deal for Communities Board that a new school building could be catalyst for a renewed spirit in the area; a chance to provide facilities and resources for the best possible educational opportunities and it could complement the New Deal for Communities initiatives.