The Bridge School, Ipswich

Our approach

To ensure that the initial planning didn’t become void, the team were able to commence enabling works early, which included the clearance of trees and vegetation, ready for the main build.

One of the biggest challenges was the site levels on the scheme – a large cut and fill exercise was required to ensure the site was level and ready for the foundation works to commence. The team undertook an early reduced level dig as we had 6,000m3 to take away – so we brought this into the enabling package to enable us to de-risk the main project and hit the ground running. We were only able to take 35 loads away a day compared to 70 in school holidays, so by starting this early we were able to avoid impact on the programme.

The project used SIPS (structural Insulated Panelling System) – a modern method of construction that reduced disruption on site due to its speed and ease of erection. This helped save six weeks on the programme.

Careful phasing of the scheme meant that we were able to work around the existing school – erecting the new secondary school, transitioning pupils across, to then enable the demolition of the old secondary school to make way for an admin block and external play areas and fields.

Social impact

The Bridge School project generated £9.2 million in social value – a 100% return on project cost. This incredible achievement began with momentum at the outset with the formation of a social value charter between all parties.

Throughout the scheme the team then used the Morgan Sindall Construction Social Value Toolkit to address all areas of social value. This included a 56% SME spend profile, STEM engagement activities in person, and then digitally when the pandemic hit, 104 hours donated to community projects and a 99% waste diversion rate.

For example, prior to COVID-19, Social Value Manager Helen Clements hosted a series of curriculum events, included a ‘wooden school build challenge’ which the Bridge School pupils participated in.

Emma, a teacher at The Bridge School said: "Thank you ever so much, it was a really great session. Our children thoroughly enjoyed coming out of the classroom to learn about the construction industry as they went through the stages of building a structure. Children developed their teamwork and listening skills and had great fun in the process!"

The team volunteered on a neighbourhood week – which saw the team commit t o the refurbishment of the Lighthouse Women’s Aid charity buildings in Ipswich – they fitted new kitchens and painted and decorated the buildings.

This is top of the range. Without any question there isn’t a better school than this in terms of the building and the facilities. It’s a really important community facility. People will tell you children like ours, with autism, special needs and complex needs, would find it very difficult with transition. So far we’ve got nearly half of the children in the school and they have all come in without any qualms. They’ve walked in by themselves and you will have seen it has been calm, friendly and communicative and everyone just seems really happy so they’re bucking the trend on that.'' Hazel Simmons, Headteacher, The Bridge School