Project overview

Wetherby Pembridge School 

Location: London, UK

Wetherby Pembridge is a new premium co-educational senior school for students aged 11–18, opening in September 2025 in Kensington Olympia, London. Part of the Inspired Education Group’s global network of schools, it is built around the three pillars of Academics, Sport, and Creative & Performing Arts.

The multi-million-pound, purpose-built eight-storey campus features state-of-the-art STEAM facilities, an eight-floor library, and a striking glass atrium that fills the building with natural light. At the heart of the creative arts offering is a professional-standard theatre occupying the entire lower ground floor.

To support the school’s vision for outstanding creative and performing arts provision, Wetherby Pembridge required a versatile performance space capable of matching its flagship new facility. The brief called for a professional-grade theatre environment operating as a 125-seat auditorium, while retaining the flexibility to clear the floor for alternative uses. This adaptable space also supports sporting activities, reflecting the school’s commitment to excellence across both the arts and athletics.

Solution

Hussey Seatway partnered with Adlib, who delivered the theatre installation, to create a flexible performance space that met the school's multi-purpose requirements. To maximise versatility, a Seatway TP retractable seating system was installed, allowing the seating to recess neatly into the wall when not in use. Our Gallery 3 chairs were selected to provide exceptional audience comfort without compromising on durability.

The installation comprises 12 rows of seating, including a row 0 configuration, removable safety rails, side drapes, and laminated fascia boards. The fascia boards were finished to complement the theatre interior, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance when the seating unit is fully closed.