PROJECT CATALYST – the future of The National Mathematics and Science College
Project Catalyst is transforming Greenwood House into the new permanent home of NatMatSci – a purpose-designed STEM campus where exceptional students will learn, discover and innovate for years to come.
Opening in 2027, our new home has been designed around the way mathematicians, scientists, engineers and innovators think. It will bring together inspiring teaching spaces, advanced laboratories, collaborative study areas, social spaces, dining facilities and specialist STEM environments under one roof, creating a campus that reflects both the ambition of our students and the distinctive character of our College.
Project Catalyst is much more than a building project. It is a major investment in the future of NatMatSci and in the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and innovators. Every aspect of the development has been shaped around our educational philosophy: that students learn best in an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, independence and academic excellence.
Rather than constructing a new building from scratch, we are giving new life to Greenwood House through an ambitious refurbishment and reimagining. This sustainable approach allows us to create a permanent home that is uniquely our own while celebrating the engineering and design of the building itself.
One of the defining features of Project Catalyst is the ambition to make the building part of the learning experience. Throughout the College, elements of the structure, engineering, services, environmental systems and digital infrastructure will be visible where appropriate, allowing students to see mathematics, science, engineering and technology at work around them every day. Instead of simply learning about STEM in the classroom, students will experience it throughout the building they study in.
The new campus will provide outstanding facilities to support every aspect of College life. Plans include specialist teaching laboratories, flexible classrooms, engineering and maker spaces, collaborative study areas, social and dining facilities, recording and presentation spaces, and a large assembly and examination hall capable of hosting College events, competitions, lectures and community activities. The additional space will also enable the College to expand its educational offer with the introduction of a new STEM-focused GCSE programme.
Designed by Saunders and delivered by AIS, Project Catalyst brings together a team of leading architects, engineers and education specialists who share the College’s vision for creating one of the UK’s most distinctive specialist STEM learning environments.
This is more than a new campus.
It’s a place designed to inspire discovery, celebrate innovation and support exceptional young people as they prepare to change the world through science, mathematics and technology.
It’s the next chapter in the NatMatSci story.
“Project Catalyst is about creating a home that reflects the ambition of our students and the distinctive nature of NatMatSci. We want this to be more than a school building. We want it to be a STEM environment in its own right: a place where students can see mathematics, science, engineering, data and design at work all around them.”
Dr Andy Kemp, Principal
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is NatMatSci creating a new home?
Since opening in 2016, The National Mathematics and Science College has grown in ambition, reputation and educational scope. Project Catalyst will provide a permanent home that reflects our specialist STEM mission while giving students the facilities, flexibility and opportunities needed for the next stage of the College’s development.
Why Greenwood House?
Greenwood House is just a short walk from our current campus at The Oaks, making it an ideal long-term home for the College. By refurbishing and transforming an existing building rather than constructing a new one, we can create an inspiring specialist STEM environment while making the most of the building’s existing character and structure.
What facilities will the new campus include?
The new campus will feature modern classrooms, specialist science laboratories, engineering and maker spaces, flexible study and breakout areas, social and dining facilities, a large assembly and examination hall, and welcoming spaces for collaboration, presentations and community events. The additional space will also support the introduction of a new STEM-focused GCSE programme.
What makes Project Catalyst different?
Project Catalyst has been designed around a simple idea: that the building itself should become part of the learning experience.
Where appropriate, students will be able to see the building’s engineering, structure, services and data systems in action, creating opportunities to explore mathematics, science, technology and design beyond the classroom. We want our new home to feel like a living STEM environment rather than a conventional school building.
What will happen to boarding?
Our premium boarding accommodation and restaurant will remain at the existing Residence, just a few minutes’ walk from the new College building.
Students will continue to benefit from the same high-quality accommodation, pastoral care and residential facilities. Breakfast, dinner and weekend lunches will continue to be served in the Residence restaurant, while lunches, refreshments and snacks will be available from the Bistro in the new College building.
When will the new building open?
Preparation and enabling works are expected to begin during 2026, with the main refurbishment taking place from autumn 2026 through to summer 2027. We are looking forward to welcoming students into our new home during 2027.
Will students be involved in the project?
Yes. As Project Catalyst progresses, students and staff will have opportunities to learn about the development, contribute ideas and use the project itself as a learning opportunity. Wherever possible, we want the creation of our new home to become another way of bringing STEM to life.
How can I follow the project?
This page will be updated throughout the project with news, images, construction milestones and behind-the-scenes updates as our new home takes shape. Follow along as Project Catalyst becomes a reality.
Meet the Project Team
Project Catalyst is being delivered by a team of leading specialists in education, architecture, engineering and construction, working together to create the next home of The National Mathematics and Science College.
- Project Manager: Ashfold Management Services
- Main Contractor: AIS
- Architect: Saunders
- Quantity Surveyor: Huntley Cartwright
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (MEP): Webb Yates
- Structural Engineering, Sustainability & Civils: Elliott Wood
- Fire Engineering: Cundall Acoustic Design: Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design
- Principal Designer: Vista BS
Follow the Journey
Project Catalyst marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The National Mathematics and Science College. Over the coming months, this page will chart the transformation of Greenwood House into our new permanent home, sharing the latest designs, construction milestones and project updates along the way.
As the building takes shape, so too will the next generation of opportunities for our students. We look forward to welcoming our College community into a home designed to inspire curiosity, encourage collaboration and celebrate the power of STEM for many years to come.
