The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced the winner of RIBA Stirling Prize 2015 as Burntwood School, Wandsworth, London designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. The RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK's most prestigious architecture prize. Every year it is presented to the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture in the past year. Burntwood School has been selected from six shortlisted projects including Darbishire Place by Niall McLaughlin Architects, Maggie’s Lanarkshire by Reiach and Hall Architects, NEO Bankside by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, University of Greenwich Stockwell Street Building by Heneghan Peng Architects and The Whitworth by MUMA. 

RIBA expressed the characteristic of the building; as a very sculptural building and expressed that ''AHMM worked closely with an artist to use large, colourful murals throughout the buildings – cleverly combining signposting with modern art.'' Comments from the judges: “Burntwood School is the clear winner of the 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize. It is the most accomplished of the six shortlisted buildings because it demonstrates the full range of the skills that architects can offer to society.

The judges added that ''It encompasses great contemporary design and clever reuse of existing buildings as well as superb integration of artwork, landscaping and engineering. It is a genuine collaborative project. There was a wonderful working relationship between the head teacher and the architect: a true partnership of equals.''

“Burntwood School shows us how superb school design can be at the heart of raising our children's educational enjoyment and achievement. Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, experienced school architects, have created a stunning campus. They have produced delightful, resourceful and energy efficient buildings that will benefit the whole community in the long term. With the UK facing a huge shortage of school places, it is vital we learn lessons from Burntwood. I am delighted to present architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris with the 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize” said RIBA President Jane Duncan.

“Schools can and should be more than just practical, functional buildings – they need to elevate the aspirations of children, teachers and the wider community. Good school design makes a difference to the way students value themselves and their education, and we hope that Burntwood winning the RIBA Stirling Prize shows that this is worth investing in” added Paul Monaghan, Director, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.