Academy Schools
Academy Schools
We work in partnership with academy trusts across the UK to develop bespoke learning environments for pupils attending academy schools with specialisms in theatre, sports, language or STEM subjects.
Academy trusts across the UK are opening new schools and improving existing estates. We work with the trusts independently and through a variety of framework routes to construct exceptional learning environments at primary and secondary level.
The new Oasis Academy Silvertown is being delivered for the Department for Education (DfE) and will cater for 600 students aged 11 to 16. Oasis Academy is located in North Woolwich, having welcomed its first intake of students in 2014.
Community is at the heart of the school’s design, with education and social spaces spread across different levels to create a holistic learning and development experience. The new building’s design incorporates social space across different levels and will feature a large sports pitch on the roof. A double-height colonnade will open up into the reception area, creating a light, bright entrance space for visitors to the school.
The Alconbury Education Campus is driven by a working partnership between Morgan Sindall Construction, Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC), Huntingdon District Council (HDC), the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT), the Spring Common Academy Trust (which will lead and manage the Prestley Wood Academy Special School) and the developer, Urban&Civic (U&C).
The project forms the next phase of Urban&Civic’s delivery of Alconbury Weald, which currently include homes, a primary school, community facilities, green spaces, play areas and over one million square foot of business space. In total the development will comprise 5,000 new homes, health centre and retail hub, sustainable transport links, and over 500 acres of green space, including a country park.
The schools are scheduled to open from September 2023/2024.
Early engagement by all parties involved in the Highfields Academy School established the need for an efficient build process to deliver the school in time for the start of the academic year.
An offsite build was identified as the best way to achieve this even before the coronavirus pandemic began to unfold, because of the comparative speed and the removal of many of the variables, such as the weather, which can impact traditional construction. This decision was further vindicated as coronavirus-mandated social distancing guidelines came into force.
As much of the work on the 45 pre-fabricated modules was carried out offsite, it could be completed safely and efficiently, unaffected by the logistical challenges facing many construction sites around the country. The school’s external framework arrived with the windows and roof sections already in place, while M&E fittings were also completed within the factory, reducing subcontractor traffic to site.
Stoneham Park Primary Academy features 11 new classrooms, group working rooms, a library and main hall. There are also outside playing areas, a bike shelter and scooter park for the pupils to use.
The design prioritises a quality education environment within a sustainable building. A compact and energy-efficient design which reduces operating has been achieved through modern methods of construction, using off-site manufacturing, while solar panels offer a renewable source of energy.
The 1.5-form entry school has the capability to expand from a 315-place school currently, into a two-form entry school for 420 pupils. These measures include the allowance of appropriate space and the Streif sustainable frame system which allows the future extension to easily join on to the existing school with minimal disruption.
The new two-storey extension at the Co-operative Academy in Blackley, Manchester features a state-of-the-art 300-seat theatre including a professional specification lighting rig and acoustics, performing arts spaces and sports facilities.
Case Studies
