The Plan & Proposal
The villages of Knebworth, Woolmer Green, Welwyn, Datchworth, Oaklands & Codicote all benefit from outstanding primary schools which educate over 1000 children between them.
But that is only half the story. Sadly, there is no secondary school in any of these villages for children to capitalise on the excellent start they have made to their education.
Due to the distances involved between the villages and the nearest existing secondary schools, most places are already allocated before our choice of schools can be considered. The result is that many families simply move away from the area in pursuit of better school options. If they do stay to fight it out, many are left deeply dissatisfied with what they are offered.
There is also an important environmental issue because, currently, getting kids to classes and home again can mean a drive of at least twenty minutes, four times a day, usually involving rush-hour traffic. The journey is well beyond walking or cycling distance for village children.
Needless to say, families in the area are desperate for a local secondary school to serve their needs.
The good news is that a site has now been identified, between Knebworth and Woolmer Green, for a new secondary school that would be within easy and safe walking distance for the majority of children in our villages. This would not only provide daily exercise, but also greatly reduce the number of unnecessary car journeys in the area (currently many hundreds daily), and so cut pollution and help protect our precious environment. How would we obtain funding to build the new school? We have discussed the funding options in details on another page.
Interactive Google Map
The plot of land has been outlined on the map below.
The new school aims to be a centre of educational excellence. It would be an amazing place for our children and of huge benefit to the entire community. We intend to provide a swimming pool, playing fields, open green spaces, woods and other facilities for all the surrounding villages to enjoy.
The obvious need for a secondary school was recognised over a hundred years ago by none other than the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, when he drew up plans for the development of Knebworth. There is no doubt that we would all benefit from the enhanced education and leisure facilities that our new school and its recreation areas would provide.
We have a dedicated team in place, working hard to ensure that this school comes into being. But there is much work to do. So, please support our campaign, and help make Lutyens’ dream, and that of all our children, a glorious reality.
On behalf of all our villages, thank you for your interest and support. Please sign the petition!
Vision for Knebworth Garden Village
Sir Edwin Lutyens was one of Britain's greatest architects of the 20th century. His vision for Knebworth was laid out in his plan drafted in 1910. It was going to be one of the first Garden Villages in Britain but sadly his dream was only half completed due to the onset of First World War.
Lutyens was a visionary drawing inspiration from our past while designing for the future. As you can see from his original drawing to the left, he demonstrates how a community can be made cohesive by the way in which its roads, houses, establishments and communal facilities are planned. These days this is called "community cohesion", a bit of a buzz word in council and planning circles. Lutyens could have coined the phrase himself. Move your mouse pointer over the map for a zoomed-in view or you can download the plan as a PDF.
The eastern part was never built and in particular the village green (top right) would have been a significant centrepiece for village. The south west section was not developed either. With our new school plan we attempt to recapture Lutyens original vision by not only providing a school (he mentioned schools in the plural but currently only a single primary exists) but also a green where everyone from local communities will be welcomed to enjoy.