Chantry Academy, Ipswich

Delivered through the Suffolk County Council framework, in partnership with Concertus, the project involved creation of a new standalone SEND block and a standalone two storey teaching block on the existing Chantry Academy campus.

Key Stats

New standalone SEND block
New 2-storey teaching block
Live school environment
9/10 customer satisfaction
44/45 CCS score
£6 million social value

At a Glance

Client

Suffolk County Council

Budget

£5.8 million

Completion

August 2022

Location

Ipswich, Suffolk

Framework

Suffolk County Council

Sector

Education

Social value

£6 million

Sustainability

99.8% waste diversion rate

An inspiring place to learn

Chantry Academy's new extension in Ipswich has created a brand new environment for both SEND and mainstream pupils to learn.

The project involved working on a live education campus to deliver a new 18 place SEND block and a new standalone 11 classroom teaching block, as well as works to remodel the existing school.

It is inspiring to see the completed unit and the progress being made on the expansion. It will make such a difference to young people at the school. We are committed to ensuring that we provide the very best education for all our young people. Rachel Hood, Suffolk County Council

Using SIPS for speed

A key driver for the project was to ensure phase one was open ready for the new summer term (after the Easter break). Given the size of the SEND block, traditional masonry wouldn't have been a viable option.

As a result, a Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) was used which accelerated the programme enabling the team to meet the term dates.

The system was replicated across phase two for the second block which meant the school were able to take possession of the block during the summer holidays to move in.

£6 million social value invested

Creating a strategy for delivering the maximum social value investment from the project was key for the team.

This included carrying out numerous curriculum based activities with the learners and bringing some of those pupils on to site for work experience placements.

The team also hosted an industrial placement student studying for his T-Levels.

Our focus on local employment and supply chain engagement meant that the project secured a £2.43 LM3 result.

Protecting the live campus

The entire project was delivered across a live education campus. To help ensure business as usual for the school, phasing was carefully planned around campus activity.

This meant works such as internal refurbishments were carried out in school holidays, and stringent rules around delivery times avoided school drop off and pick up windows.

Bespoke Dear Neighbour newsletters were created and sent to the surrounding community on a monthly basis - keeping everyone informed of the up and coming works.

As a result, the team scored 44/45 under the Considerate Constructors Scheme - an industry leading result.

This project has been a really good experience and the quality here has been excellent. The whole team were enthusiastic and committed - they were excellent communicators. I felt on this job I was brought into the team and I always felt included. Annett Thompson, Concertus