WREN

ECE Planning

ECE Planning acted on behalf of Kier Construction to secure full planning permission for the development of The WREN School on the former Elvian School site, Bath Road, Reading. The scheme provides a high-quality educational environment for a growing community, with facilities designed to support both academic excellence and student wellbeing.

ECE led the planning strategy from the pre-application stage through to determination, including negotiation of a comprehensive suite of planning conditions post-approval. Our role included managing early engagement with Reading Borough Council, coordinating technical inputs, and presenting a clear and policy-compliant case for development.

The approved scheme includes a four-storey main school building, housing 62 classrooms, an assembly hall, drama and dance studios, dedicated office space, and a specialist inclusion suite. At the heart of the school is a central atrium space, designed to support social interaction, group study, and daily dining. This hub plays a key role in the school’s wraparound care offering, which runs from 8am to 6pm.

In addition to the academic facilities, the development includes a four-court Sport England-compliant sports hall with an integrated fitness studio, a multi-use games area (MUGA), and an outdoor sports pitch, supporting both curriculum and community use.

This successful project reflects ECE Planning’s ability to guide complex education schemes through the planning system, balancing design, deliverability, and long-term community benefit.