Haverstock School in Camden was built by Kajima and the community access is currently managed by Kajima Community. Over the duration of the 13 year collaboration, Kajima has worked with the school to establish a successful, long term partnership, defined by close cooperation and a clear understanding of shared values. A central aim of the partnership has been to transform Haverstock into an integral part of the local area and a true community school.

A priority for Kajima in creating a community hub at Haverstock has been to increase the capability of the school to open its facilities more readily and widely for use by the community. Since the partnership began, the school buildings have hosted a huge array of groups and community events, from fencing clubs and football teams, to cycling proficiency and adult education classes. Supported by Kajima’s BookingsPlus software, which streamlines the letting process, bringing together bookings requests, administration and invoicing on one platform, Kajima Community has worked to raise awareness of school’s facilities within the local area and to build relationships with users. As a result, the school has become an active and bustling hub within the community, not only during the school day, but also in the evenings, at weekends and during term breaks.

Whilst the lettings capability provides a helpful income stream for the school, the drivers behind Kajima’s efforts to transform Haverstock into a community hub go well beyond this. Schools are public facilities and a resource to which the wider community should have access. By making its facilities available for public use, Haverstock School has been able to give back to the community and deliver on its moral obligations. Most recently, following the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, the school was able to put itself forward as a host for members of the Camden community who were evacuated from their homes whilst fire safety reviews took place. For the past three years, the partnership has also enabled Crisis at Christmas to use the school as a shelter for 250 rough sleepers, a project in which students and staff are encouraged to become actively involved.

The school’s central role in the community has directly benefitted its students, and many of the activities taking place in the evenings and during weekends are open to pupils. The use of the school’s facilities by a local football league led to the donation of a new 3G football pitch, which is now enjoyed both by pupils from the school and members of the wider community.