Fancy and Functional Outdoor Shades Installed at Ormiston Venture Academy

As a busy school, Ormiston Venture Academy wanted to make better use of its outdoor space. Staff and students needed more areas for shade and shelter during break times and outdoor activities. The leadership team wanted a durable and attractive solution that would suit the modern design of the school buildings.

They approached A&S Landscape to help create an all-weather outdoor space that students could use throughout the school day.

Challenges

• Limited outdoor shelter: There were few covered areas, leaving students exposed to the weather during breaks.
• High coastal winds: The school’s seaside location meant the structure needed to be strong and corrosion-resistant.
• Busy outdoor zones: The design had to fit safely within well-used spaces and avoid blocking pathways.
• Aesthetic needs: The canopy had to complement the school’s modern look and meet the Trust’s high standards.

Our Solution

After a detailed site visit, our design team recommended installing three Maxima Umbrella® canopies, each measuring 8000mm x 8000mm. These large structures offered excellent coverage while fitting neatly into the available space.

The Maxima Umbrella® was ideal for this project. It provided both shade and mild rain protection. The open layout allowed clear visibility and movement beneath the canopies, which was important for safety and supervision.

Our team handled the full process, from design to installation. We worked with the school to choose colours that matched its branding and ensured the frames would stand up to the coastal environment. The result was a practical and eye-catching addition to the school grounds.

Each umbrella creates a welcoming spot for socialising or outdoor learning, with enough space beneath to seat groups of students comfortably.

Key Features and Materials

• Structure: Strong steel framework finished in our Duracoat™ colour system, providing long-lasting protection from corrosion and coastal weather.

• Roofing: Waterproof PVC Poly-tuff™ fabric available in a wide range of colours, offering both shade and mild rain protection.

• Configuration: Three Maxima Umbrella® units, each 8000mm x 8000mm, providing flexible coverage across the courtyard areas.

• Foundations: Secure base-plate fixings designed for high wind resistance and long-term stability.

• Flooring: Installed on existing hard standing with a Quartz Safety Surface™ resin finish to improve traction in wet conditions.

Results

• Better outdoor use: Students can now enjoy outdoor breaks and activities even during mild rain or strong sun.
• Improved well-being: More seating and shelter have made social areas calmer and more inviting.
• Durability: The Duracoat™ finish ensures long life and minimal maintenance in the coastal climate.
• Better use of space: The new canopies have turned underused areas into valuable extensions of the school environment.
• Positive feedback: Staff have reported that students use the new areas every day, and supervision is easier thanks to the open design.

Conclusion

This project shows how a simple but effective canopy system can transform outdoor life at a busy secondary school. By installing three Maxima Umbrella® canopies, A&S Landscape helped Ormiston Venture Academy create safer, more comfortable areas for students to meet and learn outside.

The canopies have improved student wellbeing, increased outdoor use, and provided the school with a stylish and long-lasting solution. It’s another example of how A&S Landscape helps schools across the country get the most from every part of their site.