Dukes Education is delighted that the planning application has been approved to redevelop Kneller Hall into a premium site for what will be the largest campus of any senior school in South West London. The long-awaited decision by the Council of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames means that the work to transform Kneller Hall will begin this autumn.  

Kneller Hall is Dukes Education’s first purpose-built school in the UK and the scale of the site will provide a unique educational experience. New facilities for sport, performing arts and outdoor learning will offer opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop their skills, while new science laboratories, design and technology classrooms, Forest School and Nature Reserve will add breadth and depth to the pupils’ day-to-day experience. Over half the campus is designated as Metropolitan Open Land, which means it must be retained as green space for the pupils to explore and enjoy.  
 
Speaking about the decision, Founder and Chairman of Dukes Education, Aatif Hassan, said: “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.” 
 
Principal of Kneller Hall School, Amy Cavilla, said: “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.”