Our school, which was first known as Market Harborough North County Primary School, opened in 1972. Originally famed for its open plan classrooms, sunken auditorium and pottery kiln, it was considered incredibly modern and cutting edge in its style. It was built to support the growing population of the town and new developments around the Ridgeway.

My group leader architect was Ken Smith, and he designed Ridgeway Primary School as well as Market Harborough Police Station and Wigston Fire Station. The Ridgeway school is a system built construction under the Second Consortium of Local Authorities (SCOLA) programme. A number of primary schools were built under this programme in the 1970's. 

Martyn Trickett RIBA
Chartered Architect

The land the school is built on was once orchards belonging to the Wall brothers. They lived on what is now Sherrard Road and had a big packing shed next to their adjacent houses.  The land had been in their family for many years.

                  

"This particular photo is looking towards where Bramley Close is now with Warwick Close on the left of the picture, this photo was taken from where Pochin Drive is now [showing the land the school was to be built on] The school would behind me." Tony Payne

The school has welcomed thousands of children through its doors over the past 50 years, including former England and Leicester Tigers Rugby player, Martin Johnson.

                                           

 

Today, it is a well-loved hub of the community, with a great emphasis on academic achievement, mental health and wellbeing and developing caring, confident and resilient children. In September 2022, the school celebrated its 50th Anniversary with its first Headteacher, Mr Staples, as guest of honour.