Samuel Ryder Academy, St Albans
The Project
Samuel Ryder Academy commissioned a full upgrade of the audio, visual, and lighting systems in both the Main Hall and the Drama Studio, as part of a wider modernisation of their performance and teaching facilities. The project required each space to operate independently for everyday teaching while also enabling combined use for school productions, events, and overflow audiences.
The new systems deliver high-quality sound reinforcement, MicroLED video display, flexible lighting, and centralised control, providing the Academy with a modern, robust, and production-ready AV infrastructure.
Challenges
- The Academy needed two fully independent AV spaces, each simple enough for day-to-day use by teaching staff, yet powerful enough for full theatrical productions
- The solution had to integrate multiple AV disciplines—audio, lighting, LED MicroLED video walls, projection, and control—into a single, robust system
- System design had to accommodate significant revisions throughout development, including changes to screen sizes, truss designs, speaker configurations, and control options
- Equipment needed to be architecturally sympathetic, safely installed around suspended ceilings, and compliant with school operational and safety standards
- The upgrade needed to retain existing Sennheiser radio mic systems while replacing all other legacy hardware
Solution
Heritage AV designed and delivered an integrated whole-building AV, audio, and lighting upgrade, transforming both the Main Hall and the Drama Studio into flexible, modern, production-ready spaces.
A centralised AHM64 audio matrix, Kramer control system, and HDMI routing infrastructure allow each room to operate independently while still enabling content to be shared between spaces for major events. The MicroLED video wall brings exceptional brightness and clarity to the Drama Studio, while the Main Hall’s laser projection provides reliable, high-impact presentation capability.
Revised trussing, static bars, and optimised fixture layouts provide reliable and safe lighting infrastructure, while the upgraded Martin Audio PA systems deliver full-range, high-clarity sound suitable for assemblies, performances, and live music.
Despite multiple design revisions-screen size changes, rigging updates, equipment reductions, and repositioned hardware - Heritage AV were able to refine the system without compromising performance. The result is a cohesive, high-performance AV environment that meets the Academy’s needs for everyday teaching, whole-school functions, and advanced productions.