Pic: Copper extension on Whitehorse Manner, completed in 2014. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Two Croydon schools have scooped architectural awards for their new buildings.

Whitehorse Manor School in Croydon won the Architectural Review magazine’s School Award, beating competitors from across the globe for it’s copper tiled extension, which was completed in 2014.

Jaylon Roberts, an executive head teacher at the school, said the initial reactions to the extension were mixed, with many people objecting to the modern style of the building.

“Well, it was something new, wasn’t it? But I think about 80 per cent of the local community approve of it now,” said Roberts.

The school was praised by the judges for its recent £4.5 million extension, built by construction company Hayhurst and Co, which connects the Victorian part of the school with a secondary building from the 1970s. It provides space for 210 additional pupils and seven new classrooms.

Pic: Robert Fitzroy Academy. Architect: Architype. Credit: Dennis Gilbert/ VIEW

Architype, the architect behind the Robert Fitzroy Academy, which opened in 2012 in Brampton Road, also triumphed in the AJ Retrofit journal awards.

The academy was complicated to design and build, integrating buildings from the 1920s, 50s and 70s.

Councillor Alison Butler, Croydon Council cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “It’s fantastic that two Croydon schools have been recognised as examples of excellent architectural design.”

“High quality design is of vital importance in improving outcomes for Croydon children and ensuring they receive an excellent education in world-class facilities.”