Bede's School, The Dicker

Bede's School is located in the heart of the vibrant rural community of The Dicker in Sussex. When two new roundabouts were built to improve traffic flow, the existing lighting became ineffective, resulting in a dark and complex junction where four roads converge.

Bede's School commissioned Schréder to deliver a lighting upgrade that would address modern needs while respecting the area’s rural character.
 

Lighting with purpose

The new lighting needed to achieve the following key objectives:

• improve safety and security for drivers and pedestrians near the school;
• reduce energy consumption, maintenance interventions and costs through innovative lighting technologies;
• minimise light pollution for residents living nearby and to protect dark skies and local biodiversity.

Our solution centred on Schréder EXEDRA, our control management system (CMS), which gives customers full visibility of and control over their lighting networks via any secure, internet-enabled device.

The smart lighting system ensures the right amount of light, in the right place at the right time.
 

Lighting on demand

To maximise energy savings further and support dark sky protection, radar and PIR sensors have been integrated into the Schréder EXEDRA system. The radar sensors are positioned so that they point away from the village and can detect oncoming vehicles before they reach the junction. Meanwhile, the PIR sensors face the school and nearby pedestrian crossings, accurately detecting foot traffic in these frequently used areas. 

When presence is detected, the lanterns increase to full lighting levels to improve visibility and provide reassurance. After a short period of inactivity, the lighting gradually dims, following a defined schedule:

• 6pm – 10pm: 100% output
• 10pm – midnight: 50% output
• Midnight onwards: 20% output

This action helps protect the night sky and has resulted in energy savings of 33%.

These dimming regimes and lighting levels can be altered remotely by registered users at any time via the secure Schréder EXEDRA interface. The system also enables the monitoring of peak activity, sensor performance and lantern operation, prompting data-driven adjustments that further improve efficiency and performance.

Further savings may be possible by reducing the existing five-minute delay before dimming resumes following detection.
 

A stylish blend of contemporary and heritage

To maintain the area's visual charm, our VALENTINO lanterns, finished with Castlenau kits, were installed to reflect the village’s traditional architectural character.

These decorative lanterns were chosen with a colour temperature of 2700K to minimise light pollution, support environmental responsibility and enhance the village’s unique identity and inviting character.

This warm colour temperature mimics the soft glow of gas lamps, further enhancing the village's historic feel. From a technical perspective, 2700K emits less blue light, which scatters more easily in the atmosphere and causes sky glow, a major contributor to light pollution. Reducing blue light helps to preserve dark skies and protect local wildlife from disorientation and disruption.

The lanterns also feature discreetly integrated 7-pin NEMA sockets and smart nodes, enabling them to connect seamlessly to the wider Schréder EXEDRA network while maintaining their aesthetic.
 

Connected for community and conservation

The lighting upgrade at Bede's School shows how smart, sustainable lighting infrastructure can improve safety and efficiency while preserving heritage and the environment.

By combining smart lighting control with heritage-inspired design, the installation:

• improves safety for road users and pedestrians;
• delivers 33% energy savings (with potential for more);
• protects the night sky and local wildlife;
• enhances the character and identity of The Dicker.

This smart approach demonstrates that modern lighting can do more than just illuminate; it can also support community well-being while preserving the night sky.