The Richmond Council planning committee has approved a significant development project at Kneller Hall, which would transform it into a state-of-the-art educational facility for Radnor House.
This approval marks a pivotal moment for the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, as the historic site will soon become the largest campus of any senior school in South-West London.
The approved proposal involves demolishing existing modern structures and converting Kneller Hall and its ancillary buildings into a day school. The project will also include constructing new purpose-built facilities such as teaching spaces, indoor sports amenities, a sporting pavilion, and a forest school building. Additionally, the existing playing fields will be enhanced with an all-weather pitch, fencing, floodlighting, and tennis court improvements. The development also plans a new access route from Whitton Dene, parking areas, and sustainable landscaping.
Radnor House School Limited and Dukes Education Group Ltd, the applicants behind this ambitious project, are thrilled with the council’s decision. Dukes Education expressed its excitement, stating that the transformation of Kneller Hall will commence this autumn. The site, Dukes Education’s first purpose-built school in the UK, promises to offer a unique educational experience with sports, performing arts, and outdoor learning facilities. Over half of the campus is designated as Metropolitan Open Land, ensuring it remains a green space for students to explore.
Aatif Hassan, founder and chairman of Dukes Education, shared his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly excited that the work on Kneller Hall can begin in earnest now. It is a privilege to be able to develop this historic building, such a well-loved landmark in the Whitton and Twickenham area, and to build on its educational heritage, first as a training school for teachers and then as the Royal Military School of Music. The school and its grounds will be great for families in the local area, and we look forward to creating deeper links with the community. I would like to thank our parents, students, staff and the local community for their patience during the planning process.”
Amy Camilla, principal of Kneller Hall School, also expressed her excitement: “I am thrilled that this ambitious project now has the green light. Kneller Hall will provide students with a modern education in a historic setting and will put air under the wings of the successful foundations that have been laid at Radnor House School. We promote a values-based approach that puts kindness and compassion high on the agenda and use encouragement rather than pressure to achieve success. Our priority now is to proceed with our plans as efficiently as possible so that we are ready to move into our new home in Kneller Hall in September 2027.”
This development preserves Kneller Hall’s historical significance and enhances its role in the community, promising a bright future for education in the area.
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