Innovative learning spaces from around the world – in pictures

The Stephen Perse Foundation junior school asked architects chadewickdryerclarke to redesign an area of their school specifically for fictional story telling. We can't guarantee that the prize money of £5,000 from The School We'd Like competition will cover the cost of a project of this size, but we think it's a fairy tale come true. Photograph: Daniel Shearing

Horniman primary school in London was a 2012 prize winner of The School We'd Like competition and used their prize money to build a new radio shed, powered by electricity generated by static bikes. Watch our video to find out how they've spent their prize money so far.
Photograph: Teri Pengilley

High Storres school in Sheffield has used the full size of this airy room to create a colourful library space with perspex quotes to add inspiration. They've also created a mezzanine floor to accomodate sixth-form study time. Photograph: Andy Chubb Photography

The library space at The Stephen Perse foundation junior school, created by architects chadwickdryerclarke, allows pupils to be creative with their storytelling and has a performance stage to really let the children express themselves. Photograph: Daniel Shearling

An unsightly refuse space beyond the play area at Udavi Gentillesse School in India was a huge problem, so the children created this beautiful and colourful mural to keep it hidden, and perk up their play time. Photograph: Nathalie Mckeon Nubereichle

When the creation of a 1950s-style American diner was suggested by a pupil at West Cliff primary school in Whitby, headteacher Christina Zanelli got out her pen and created a vision in stars, stripes and vinyl. Decorated with the help of staff and volunteers, the dining room even got a mention in the schools latest Ofsted inspection. Photograph: West Cliff Primary School

The Stephen Perse Foundation wanted a safe outdoor play environment for its pre-prep pupils. Architects chadwickdryerclarke created this multi-functional learning and play space. Photograph: Daniel Shearling

Rosendale primary school in south London needed a library but it didn't have the space. The solution was devised by designer Kate Gorely, who worked with Forge Architects, to create this incredible learning zone. It won the School Library Association Library Design Award for 2011 and cost just £5,000. Photograph: Forge Architects

The Windermere school, in the Lake District National Park, has three of these incredible tree-top classrooms. The class pods stand on stilts connected by a centre platform made from recycled materials creating a warm and cosy learning space.
Photograph: Windermere School

Self-expression is really important at Udavi Gentillesse School in India, so this space was created to allow the children to be creative and have the opportunity paint without guidance from a teacher (apart from the replenishing of paints and hand wiping of course). Photograph: Nathalie Mckeon Nubereichle/Nathalie Mckeon Nubereichle

How about asking your students to design a spectacular bench for your school playground? Artist, Mik Richardson, created this wonderful arty seat, depicting Wind in the Willows, to be situated at the Bank of England for the National Literacy Trust. Photograph: PR