The 'Heart of the School' building for St Benedict's accommodates a new assembly hall, examination hall, languages department, music school and chapel. It replaces an existing poor-quality building within a courtyard formed by a 1930s classroom block, 1960s dining hall and 1990s sports hall. The building draws on the school's Benedictine heritage. The central motif at ground and first floor is a cloister, which frames the examination room and opens up to form the assembly space. The second floor accommodates the new music school and chapel. Gently sloping circulation links the surrounding buildings. The music school's accommodation is planned in a long block forming one side of a new 'aerial' quadrangle creating a sonorous backdrop for the new chapel. The scheme also creates a new visitors entrance and improved staff facilities and pupil WCs. The building integrates isolated buildings and floors, improves accessibility and creates a cultural, sustainable heart for the school.