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In 2016, as the school numbers increased, we conducted an audit to show whether or not the current accommodation would be sufficient to cater for larger cohorts. It became obvious that when full, the school would be unable to function, as there would not be enough classroom space to offer the full curriculum. We approached the LA and began discussions to find a way forward. The solution decided upon was to build a new block, extend certain areas and refurbishment of several other areas. 

It was decided that a modular building, consisting of 9 classrooms and a media suite would be built on the school playground with the existing playground being extended considerably, thus providing the school with more playground space for both the secondary  phase and primary phase. 

The remainder of the project proposed consisted of a new build 3 Art classroom block at the back of the school, converting 2 art classrooms to a Food room (kitchen) and a Design and Technology workshop (high tech STEM room), converting  existing MFL classrooms and office space into 3 new Science classrooms and extending the Music and 6th form space.

The first phase of the project began in December. A 42 week build programme would allow the school access to complete fixtures and fittings during the summer, ready for use in September 2020. Careful phasing of this aspect of the build programme will enable the school to continue to deliver the curriculum to all students effectively. A great deal of thought has gone into this already and communication with the construction company is on-going. A logistics plan has been drawn up showing how the construction companies will enter and exit the site safely. It also details where the site compounds will be situated and how the workmen remain separated from students. The issue of safeguarding has been of paramount importance at all times during the planning stage. All contractors on site will be DBS checked and it is company policy that on the rare occasion an outside contractor is used on site, they will be supervised at all times. Interestingly, there have already been a number of discussions outlining opportunities for students to engage in exciting learning experiences on site. 

Before Christmas, the road was put in across the school field to allow deliveries to take place and heavy machinery and vehicles to access the site. The compounds for the workmen have been installed and all the fencing has been put up in order to secure the site and adhere to health and safety regulations.

On returning after the break, they have begun the groundwork for the extension to the 6th form and music block and assessed the drainage system underneath the new art block. The plan is to then install and link up the new drainage system in advance of the new building being erected. 

The modular build will begin in the Spring time so that it is completed to be open for the start of September.