The tender, which was let in August, saw Loader Monteith and Sarah Jane Storrie selected following a two-stage process.

The team also includes Harley Haddow for provision of structural, civil and services engineering, and principal CDM.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected for this project.” said Matt Loader, director of Loader Monteith Architects. “On reading the initial brief, we were incredibly moved by the work the school does to better children’s lives.

“We had a clear idea at the outset about making a clearing in a glade, and using the setting as a joyful and uplifting environment for the delivery of the school’s programme. We can’t wait to start work.”

Sarah Jane Storrie of Sarah Jane Storrie Architects said: “I am delighted to be collaborating with Loader Monteith and the wider team on a piece of architecture that will have such a positive impact on the invaluable work of Harmeny. I am really excited to work with the school to explore how we can create calm, inspiring and practical spaces to enhance their highly experiential teaching model.”

Neil Squires, chief executive of Harmeny, added: “For the past sixty years Harmeny has helped children who have suffered early years trauma, through abuse, neglect and family disruption, to turn their lives around and realise their right to a safe and happy childhood.

“We have reached a pivotal time where we wish to offer even more young people the opportunity to benefit from our services, and to do this we need to improve our learning resources. We are excited about working with Loader Monteith, Sarah Jane Storrie and the team to help us build the facilities our children and young people in our community deserve to fully reach their potential.”

The project is expected to be ready for planning early in 2020.