---
title: Expanded Dining Canopy Space At Chichester Free School
description: Chichester Free School expanded dining space with custom Spaceshade canopies, enhancing student accommodation while maintaining the historic campus architecture.
---

[Case studies | Kensington Systems ](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/case-studies)

# [Expanded Dining Canopy Space At Chichester Free School](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/case-studies/chichester-free-school)

 Written by [Cassia Huntley](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/case-studies/author/cassia-huntley) | 16 March 2026

[Chichester Free School](https://www.chichesterfreeschool.org.uk/) required additional dining space to support growing pupil numbers while maintaining the character and architectural integrity of its unique campus.

### The School Site

Housed within a former monastery, the [school’s buildings](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/education) present a distinctive historic setting that demanded a considered and sympathetic external solution.

## Bespoke Outdoor Dining Canopies

[Kensington Systems](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/about-us) was appointed to design, supply and install two [Spaceshade canopies](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade) to expand the school’s dining provision. The first, a bespoke [saddle roof dining canopy](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/spaceshade/outdoor-dining-canopies) located within a central courtyard, was carefully designed to mirror the pitch and form of the surrounding buildings.

This ensured the structure complemented the existing architecture while delivering a contemporary, functional outdoor space. 

A second canopy adjoining the main building provides further covered dining capacity, creating sheltered seating areas fitted with picnic tables to support efficient lunchtime use.

## The Benefits of Installing Outdoor Canopies

Together, the installations significantly increase the school’s ability to accommodate students comfortably during peak periods, helping to reduce internal congestion and improve overall circulation. 

Spaceshade dining canopies are ideally suited to education environments where flexibility, durability and aesthetic integration are key.

Their modular aluminium framework allows designs to be tailored to complex or heritage settings and tight spaces like courtyards and quads, while high-performance roofing systems provide reliable protection from rain and excessive sun.

The result is bright, welcoming outdoor spaces that can be used throughout the year. 

### Get in touch

[Contact](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/contact-us) Kensington Systems to discuss your dining canopy needs today.

<https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJGXsHQ3s5bZbnNuyGRNZQQmn1Ai4mCUcHpuLOnmuJeNjj%2BU54t0NoetNYvTSvq7tSvd90B9p4yWPvulpkwVPBjAYO6%2FDaEY8Xc%2F6e7lNf4h8C2%2FxJ6thTJOqFG1Skremlz3t8KKlXUEQrFIdBn03ayJNDMXE2G2CRluVVioIFIyLkamVXaP6SQ6FPX&webInteractiveContentId=99610035698&portalId=26880358>

 

 

[View full post](https://kensingtonsystems.co.uk/case-studies/chichester-free-school)

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