Outdoor Dining Canopy Provides Flexible Space at John Colet School

John Colet School has installed a new Spaceshade canopy to provide additional outdoor dining space.

Challenge
With over 1,000 pupils and buildings dating back to the 1990s, John Colet School in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, was facing growing pressure on its estate. The school’s existing facilities were no longer sufficient to meet the needs of a larger student population, particularly when it came to dining space. In response to these challenges, the school sought a cost-effective, low-disruption solution to expand its usable space without major structural alterations.

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Solution
Kensington Systems was approached to help modernise the estate and increase outdoor dining capacity. The team installed a Spaceshade  dining canopy in one of the school’s internal courtyards, transforming the area into a versatile, weather-protected space suitable for dining and socialising. The canopy’s modular design made it ideal for installation in tight spaces, and the sheltered courtyard offered natural protection from wind and rain. Kensington Systems also managed all associated groundworks, including foundations and resurfacing, to ensure a seamless and high-quality finish.

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Result
The new canopy has provided John Colet School with a valuable extension of its dining facilities, easing pressure on indoor areas and allowing students to benefit from the mental and physical health advantages of spending more time outdoors. Thanks to careful planning and efficient installation, the project was completed with minimal disruption to school operations. The school now enjoys a practical, attractive space that supports both student wellbeing and day-to-day logistics.