As we approach the second anniversary of the opening of the St Andrew’s Study Centre to students at Easter in 2024, we are thrilled with how well the building has been received by pupils, staff and the whole Bradfield community.

Looking back at the Grade II* listed building in September 2021 when the college purchased it along with some of its ecclesiastical contents, it has come a very long way. The sale of many of the smaller pews, the harmonium and an unwanted iron screen to the original blacksmith's family helped reuse some of the contents. The building was then transformed over a two-year period by the architects Squires and Brown working with Feltham builders from a dark and cold space into a warm, welcoming study environment for up to 160 pupils at a time.

Unusually, the font has remained in place alongside two of the original pews which have been placed around the font as samples of the pew styles in the original church building. It is common practice for a font to be buried or destroyed when a church is deconsecrated and sold, However, the College has secured permission for this important historical feature to remain in St Andrew’s.

Guests who have seen the building have shared their feedback and the wow factor they felt in the following quotes…

“I knew that St Andrew’s was going to be an impressive space, but the reality is even more special than I had envisaged; it has a pleasing unity and flow and is a great study space.” Chris Bake (F 77-82)

“We were so impressed by the conversion of the former parish church, which is simply stunning.” Tim Lever (F 49-52)

In the photo gallery below you can see some of the 'before and after' images from inside the building as it changed from the parish church into the modern study space pupils enjoy today.

The college is very proud of the new building and the resource it provides since the change of use. You can see the journey of the building and more details about the work which was carried out before its opening in the links below.

Project specification and pictures here

More details about the stone and brick work carried out by Cliveden Conservation here

The website of the architects Squires and Brown can also be found here

More about the original parish church and its history here