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Get Involved

Advice and information on how you can get involved.

What heads of schools / school governors can do

Actively consider refurbishment in the early stages of planning.
Consider sustainability and intrinsic architectural and historic interest in deciding about the future maintenance and use of the school building.
Be bold and imaginative in thinking about how the school buildings can be adapted and refurbished for 21st century needs, and work with architects who have a track record in adapting and remodelling historic buildings.
Engage students, teachers, school workers and parents in deciding the future of the school.
Encourage teachers and students to take an interest in the history and architecture of the school.

If a local school is faced with the threat of demolition and you would like to stop it, you can contact the local council, present them with signatures you have gathered from neighbours and other residents, or contact the local newspaper. You can also raise the issue in community blogs or forums, or use one of these websites: Write to Them or Fix My Street.
If you would like English Heritage to consider listing a school, please visit our online listing application form.
Parents can use Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to raise concerns they have about the future of the school their children are at.

Go to the local records office or local library to find our more about the history and architecture of your school.
Ask to get involved in the future of your school. The Joinedupdesign programmes organised by the Sorrell Foundation enable students to work with architects and designers on their development projects.

Use the school environment as a learning tool in itself. Devise lessons and activities that will encourage a child’s visual awareness, sense of community and place, and an appreciation of history, and provoke critical thinking around construction and sustainability.