Education

Down High School

Category
Education

Size
Over 100 staff and 970 pupils

Location
Downpatrick, Co. Down

Expertise
Furniture, Fit-out, Design

Client Vision

In June 2025 Down High School decanted to a 44 million newbuild nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty among the rolling hills of County Down and sitting above the river Quoile. The move presented an amazing opportunity to reimagine each space for pupils and staff with a focus on comfort, wellbeing and a touch of timeless elegance. Whilst the new build is very modern with floor to ceiling windows and bags of natural light, Down High School was established in 1933 and it was important to retain an element of the traditional and bring some of the old with the new through colour choice and design.

Rooms/areas included

Administration Suite (including the main Foyer, Reception, Finance and Leadership Team offices, Medical Room and SENCO office)

Staffroom

Assembly Hall

Dining Hall

Sixth Form Study

Sixth Form Common Rooms

Wellbeing Suites

Project Execution

Mrs Maud Perry Principal
Mr Gareth McKillen Vice-Principal
The Alpha Belfast Team

Photo Gallery 1/17

1/17

2/17

3/17

4/17

5/17

6/17

7/17

8/17

9/17

10/17

11/17

12/17

13/17

14/17

15/17

16/17

17/17

Working with Alpha was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Donna and Glenn took us through what initially felt like a daunting process step by step and were exceptionally helpful. They were endlessly patient and worked hard to mould our vision into reality with great recommendations for fabrics and furniture. We are absolutely delighted with the comfortable, calming and interesting spaces that have been created for pupils and staff to enjoy. The furniture we received is high quality and weighty, timeless pieces with a modern twist made to stand the test of time. We are really pleased that we worked with Alpha on so many spaces as this has led to a pleasant flow through the new school building as colours and shapes echo from one space to another. I highly recommend working with Alpha from the very start on design. Everything is made easy, from visiting the showroom in Dargan Crescent to test the comfort of the furniture, to delivery and set up on site according to the plans.