The school library provides the perfect environment for students to study and succeed in their exams. It is spacious, calm, and stimulating with lots of natural light. The cleverly designed furniture and distinctive architecture create a bright, engaging, and relaxing space that encourages students to work productively. Both students and teachers appreciate the library as a welcoming place where help is always available.

1. SLA School Library Design Award 2011

2. The library is at the heart of the school

3. Light and bright with long views through the building

4. “I owe my exam success to having the
perfect environment in which to
study. The school library is spacious,
calm and stimulating.”
Oliver Hudson (Head Boy)

5. Students in the library look up to the Sixth Form study area

6. A mix of funky but comfortable seating and formal study areas

7. “Our library is lush, because loads of
natural light comes in which is easier
when you are trying to study. I am in my
big GCSE year and finding study in the
library so much easier than studying at
home because it is so relaxing.”
Emma Whitworth Year 11

8. Cleverly designed furniture works well with the distinctive architecture

10. “The space is bright and
engaging, encouraging students to
enter a positive working
environment.”
Teacher

12. “The library is a bright and fun place
to be. Students and teachers are
always welcome and help is at hand
whenever you need it.”
Mrs Berry (English teacher)

13. World Book Day 2011 – dissecting owl pellets in the library!

15. “The library is a great place to catch
up on your homework, relax with
friends or lose yourself in a good
book.”
Year 7 student

18. “I think it is fantastic that the
students were able to play a key
role, working with the Library
Manager in the design of St John’s
library. ”
Mr England (D&T Teacher)

19. Winners of the Students’ ‘Dragon’s Den’ competition to design the graphic end panels
and signage

26. “I like the spacious feel of the library;
that everything is spread out and you
never feel cramped. Being able to see
the 6th form block above through a
window and the Atrium down below
makes you feel really part of everything
going on.”
Emma Whitworth Year 11

31. “It is a well designed library – nobody
in school can ignore it!”
School Library Design Award Judging Panel
2011