Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties division has begun a major £16.2 million redevelopment of the Burnside Secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Chingford. Appointed by the Department for Education (DfE), the project is part of the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme and was procured through the 2021 construction framework. The project will see the delivery of a modern teaching block and a hall and sports block, linked by a glazed corridor, across the 1,815m² site. Works will be completed in three phases, with the teaching block scheduled for handover in late 2026 and final completion expected in spring 2028. The teaching block will feature six multi-purpose classrooms, a specialist science laboratory, and an art and design studio, while the hall and sports block will house a new sports hall, dining area, food technology and fitness rooms. A new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) will provide outdoor sports facilities for both pupils and the local community. Staff amenities will include offices, a staff room, and storage space. Burnside PRU currently educates up to 48 pupils aged 11-16, including those with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) who have faced challenges in mainstream education. To minimise disruption, existing single-storey buildings will be demolished in stages as new construction progresses. Phase one focuses on demolishing the Burwood Centre to build the teaching block, phase two involves the adjacent block, and phase three covers hard and soft landscaping. Special consideration has been given to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing. Design features include privacy in outdoor spaces, muted paint tones, calming lighting, and durable materials for long-term use. The new facilities will include a library, careers space, SEN therapy room, and ICT suite, all tailored to meet the needs of PRU pupils. Sustainability is central to the scheme. Precast flooring and stairs will reduce on-site waste and carbon emissions, while photovoltaic panels, an air source heat pump, and Closed Panel Timber construction aim to support net-zero carbon operation. Morgan Sindall will also use its CarboniCa digital tool to track and minimise the building’s embodied carbon. The project will deliver social value for the local community through engagement with a nearby primary school, university, and community centre, alongside apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for local residents. The Burnside PRU redevelopment demonstrates Morgan Sindall’s continued expertise in delivering complex educational projects in live, sensitive environments while prioritising sustainability and community impact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Children who are permanently excluded or at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools in North Hertfordshire are a step closer to having a new purpose-built teaching centre following a groundbreaking celebration to mark the start of construction. The ceremony, at North Herts Education Support Centre (NHESC), Briar Patch in Letchworth was hosted by Hitchin-based contractor Ashe Construction, and was attended by representatives of the Education Support Centre, Hertfordshire County Council, architect Saunders Boston and the project’s consultants. Hertfordshire County Council is working in partnership with NHESC to provide a purpose-built replacement for its teaching centre at Briar Patch Lane and appointed Ashe to design and build the new facility. Rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, NHESC provides an alternative education for excluded students, or students who are at risk of exclusion, with the aim of supporting a return to permanent full-time education. NHESC currently operates across two sites, Briar Patch in Letchworth and Bancroft in Hitchin. The expansion at Briar Patch will increase capacity from 33 to 40 pupils, allowing NHESC to operate from one purpose-built centre. The new building will provide seven new classrooms and additional rooms for practical activities such as construction, science and food technology. There will be spaces for IT, a common room, fitness suite, administrative areas, and dedicated support spaces. Ashe’s construction and technical director Daniel Armes explained: “It’s exciting to see work starting on site to provide an inspiring, well-designed learning environment. We are currently in our groundworks phase which also includes preparation for a new grass games pitch. “In March we will start erecting the building structure and in April we will start work on the brickwork. All windows and curtain walling will be double glazed and the south facing windows will have solar shading to prevent overheating. “Once watertight in June, the mechanical and electrical works will start, and we’ll be installing the floors and ceilings. Then we’ll undertake the fit out and decorate the new building ready for students to move into their brand-new, purpose-built facilities in November.” The new building has been designed for energy efficiency with high levels of insulation, air source heat pumps, and LED lighting. Dan Nearney, Executive Head at North Herts Education Support Centre, described the benefits the new building will provide. He said: “Both of the existing education support centres were not fit for purpose. “This new facility at Briar Patch is designed for our children and will have a transformational effect on them. It will improve their life chances and help them towards their next steps whether it be college, university, an apprenticeship or returning to mainstream school. “Following our recent Outstanding Ofsted report, just imagine what we can do with the new building! We will be able to support at least 40 children and become a community resource for 5–16-year-olds.  We’ll be supporting the community better than ever before. “Our new Centre will enable us to provide hot meals and sports facilities with an outdoor space for use in the summer. The first floor will accommodate Key Stage 3 and the ground floor will cater for Key Stage 4 – All designed for the curriculum, based on the young people’s needs.” Shelley Hughes, Head of Centre at Briar Patch NHESC, added: “The new Centre will provide a learning environment that’s a quality space, where the children feel valued. It will be an environment they can be proud of and that opens opportunities for enrichment in a way that our old facilities just didn’t provide.” “We didn’t have sports facilities or the ability to have afterschool clubs for specialist coaches.  We can now provide enrichment and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. “We run as a school, and an educational environment to succeed. This will be a family resource space for outside agencies to use and where the whole child can be supported. The new Centre will also accommodate the increasing number of children in our area that need supporting.” Cllr Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that every child and young person in Hertfordshire has the opportunity to thrive and receive the support they need to fulfil their potential. The expansion of NHESC is a vital step in that journey—providing high-quality, alternative provision in an environment designed to inspire and empower. This investment reflects our dedication to building a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire.” External works to improve the access road and traffic flow will take place during the summer holidays to avoid any disruption to the Centre’s operations. The scheme has been designed by Saunders Boston, with Pellings as project manager and Gleeds as cost consultant. BCAL is the engineer and One Creative Environments is the mechanical and electrical consultant. Completion is scheduled for Autumn this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The University of East London (UEL) has appointed contractor GRAHAM to deliver its £45 million New Academic Building. This structure represents a key landmark in the creation of the Stratford Health Campus and is UEL’s most significant capital development to date. GRAHAM was selected following a competitive procurement process, leveraging its established track record in successfully delivering complex, sustainable facilities within both the healthcare and higher education sectors. The contract marks a major step forward for UEL’s Vision 2028 strategy, which aims to transform career opportunities, wellbeing, and health across East London. The New Academic Building is part of a larger £170 million redevelopment and is designed to provide cutting-edge teaching, research, and learning spaces intended to inspire future healthcare and medical professionals. Subject to necessary GMC approval, the facility will serve as the home for medical education alongside a suite of related healthcare courses. Its central role will be to expand access to healthcare education and bolster the growth of the regional health workforce. Construction work is slated to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated in summer 2027, ready for the start of the subsequent academic year. The facility is targeting the highest sustainability credentials, aiming for BREEAM Outstanding certification, which would place it among the most environmentally responsible university buildings in the UK. The design incorporates circular design principles, low-carbon construction, and prioritises energy efficiency through: These elements support UEL’s broader goal of establishing a net-zero carbon campus and setting a new industry benchmark for sustainable development within the higher education sector. Describing the appointment as an “exciting and historic moment”, Liam O’Dell, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of East London, said: “The appointment of GRAHAM marks an exciting and historic moment for the University. This is the most significant development on our campuses, and it represents months of collaboration, dedication, and strategic planning. The New Academic Building will not only transform our Stratford campus but will set a new benchmark for healthcare education – providing an inspiring and inclusive space for our students, staff, and partners. This multi-million-pound investment underlines UEL’s long-term commitment to creating an innovative, sustainable, and community-focused university estate. The Stratford Health Campus will stand as a symbol of UEL’s evolution – connecting education, research, and real-world impact in the heart of east London.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, also expressed pride in the contract: “UEL’s new academic building will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support the University’s healthcare and medical education ambitions and be an exemplar of sustainable campus design. We’re proud to contribute to a scheme that will play such an important role in shaping future generations of health professionals.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Cambridgeshire business has broken ground on the new Great Haddon Primary School in Peterborough. The project, commissioned by Peterborough City Council and designed by Lungfish Architects, was procured via the SCAPE National Framework. The new two-storey, two-form entry facility will create 420 school places for nursery and primary-years provision on a new housing development south of Peterborough. The school is scheduled for completion in late 2026, ready for use in early 2027. The main school building will feature 12 classrooms and includes three-metre-wide ‘learning streets’ on both floors, which will provide enhanced educational opportunities through access to libraries, one-to-one teaching zones, and small group areas. The southern end of the building will house the main school hall, kitchen, and related spaces. A dedicated single-storey Early Years section will include two nursery and two reception classrooms, complete with associated facilities and an outside play area. Externally, the development will include a 9 x 9 football pitch that will double as an athletics track, alongside a multi-use games area (MUGA). Sustainability is a key focus for the project. Morgan Sindall has utilised its digital carbon calculation tool, CarboniCa, to inform the design, which includes the installation of photovoltaic panels (PVs) to generate the school’s energy requirements. A central target is the delivery of a 12% biodiversity net gain for the school’s construction and operation. This will be achieved by creating an attenuation pond with plants, wetland grasses, trees, and raised beds designed to encourage local wildlife. This pond and a nearby rain garden will also serve as educational spaces for pupils. Jamie Shearman, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, noted: “The start of construction at Great Haddon’s new primary school marks an important milestone… In such a fast-growing area as this, it is imperative educational facilities are created that can match the local scale and demand with high-quality learning environments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Reds10, a leader in industrialised construction, has been awarded a £19.4m project for the construction of a new school building for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Connaught Special School in Newham, east London. Reds10 will deliver a two-storey, all-through education facility for pupils aged 4 to 18, with capacity for 105 students. The school will specialise in supporting autistic children with severe learning difficulties, providing an inclusive environment that supports their development throughout their educational journey. This project will help address the significant shortage of SEND school places in Newham.  After being awarded the contract to deliver the project by The Department for Education (DfE) in the summer, construction is now underway, with completion scheduled for winter 2026/2027. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 3rd November 2025, bringing together key partners and stakeholders from the DfE, London Borough of Newham and Learning in Harmony Trust to mark the official start of work on the site. This included Cllr Sarah Ruiz, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Sustainable Transport at the London Borough of Newham, as well as Gary Wilkie, CEO of the Learning in Harmony Trust and Nithra Subramaniam, Headteacher of Connaught Special School. Connaught Special School, part of the Learning in Harmony Trust, is already making a significant difference in the lives of children with SEND, providing tailored teaching and resources that meet their individual needs and extending vital support to their families. The new facility will take the place of the temporary site currently operating in Upton Park, which accommodates 45 SEND pupils, and will offer a permanent, purpose-built setting designed to deliver the highest standards of education and care. Accommodating significantly more pupils, the new school is located just off Royal Road, near Prince Regent DLR station offering strong transport links for pupils, families, and staff. Designed by HLM Architects, and in partnership with Newham Council and Learning in Harmony Trust, the SEND facility will feature purpose-built classrooms, flexible activity spaces, outdoor play areas, accessible parking, and interiors tailored for accessibility and student wellbeing including considerate acoustics and calming colours to support children with SEND. The new school building will prioritise sustainability, targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation with energy-efficient materials and low-carbon solutions integrated throughout. Using modular components manufactured at Reds10’s pioneering offsite factory facility in East Yorkshire, the build will ensure quality, consistency, and minimal on-site disruption. Importantly, the school has also been designed to serve the wider Newham community. Outside school hours, its facilities will be available for local use underlining a shared commitment to social value, inclusion, and long-term impact. Joe Shepherd, Managing Director – Public Sector at Reds10, said: “In partnership with the DfE we are proud to start the delivery of this purpose-built SEND school in Newham, which will become the latest example of the sustainable, innovative and high-quality educational facilities that our advanced construction techniques provide. This project represents a vital investment in specialist education, helping address a chronic shortage of SEND places in Newham, and we’re proud to create a space where neurodiverse pupils will be supported to reach their full potential.” Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, commented: “This exceptional new state of the art, purpose-built facility is a vital and very welcome addition to Newham’s family of schools. Designed with SEND needs specifically in mind, it will be welcomed by the parents, carers and the young people of this borough. “Connaught School, with its 14 classrooms and specialist design, including therapy rooms, a sensory room, soft play area and exceptional access to all areas will mean that more of our children and young people with SEND can have their needs met in the borough.” Gary Wilkie, CEO of Learning in Harmony Trust, commented: “Breaking ground marks a major step towards realising our ambition to create a school that fully meets the needs of its pupils and supports the wider community. Working with Reds10, we’re bringing to life a nurturing, modern environment where every child will have the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential.” Nithra Subramaniam, Head Teacher at Connaught Special School, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to see work begin on such an important space for our pupils. Every detail of the new building has been designed with their needs in mind, all helping to create an environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn each day.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Global development consultancy, Arup, has designed a pioneering Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio) Welsh school campus using performance modelling technology from global climate tech firm, IES. IES’s Virtual Environment (VE) dynamic modelling software played a central role in the design of the Mynydd Isa Campus, helping to reduce carbon emissions by over 100 tonnes per year. Designed in 2023 and completed in 2025, the two-storey, 10,500m² campus meets Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘Excellent’ standards, reflecting strong performance across areas such as energy use, materials, water and occupant wellbeing.  The IESVE software was used to assess and refine energy performance, taking into account overheating risks under various climate scenarios, including typical years, warm summers and prolonged heatwaves.  The solutions included installing more than 1,000 solar panels, which are expected to generate over 500,000 kWh of electricity each year. This enables the building to produce as much energy as it consumes. To manage comfort, a complex cross-ventilation chimney concept and a ‘traffic light system’ in classrooms is used to alert teachers to open/close windows. The project also made a 25-year performance commitment to ensure the building remains efficient and resilient to future climate conditions.  Niall Gibson, Building Performance Specialist at IES, commented, “This project exemplifies how performance modelling technology can deliver on multiple fronts – achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation, supporting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, and closing the gap between design and real-world performance. “Rising heat is putting huge pressure on infrastructure that was never designed for these conditions. This isn’t about futureproofing; it’s about catching up with a crisis that’s already here. If we’re serious about tackling climate change, making existing infrastructure more resilient, efficient, and climate-ready must be a national priority. We’re proud to support Arup in delivering a school that sets the standard for future-proof public buildings.” Steven Burrows, associate building physics engineer at Arup, said, “I feel honoured to have worked on this project from the very beginning and take it through to completion. IESVE modelling played a significant role in the design of the scheme – from developing the complex cross ventilation chimney concept to achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio). It’s an incredible achievement that the building generates as much energy as it will consume over the course of a year.” The campus provides nursery, primary, and secondary education for more than 1,300 pupils. As local authorities and design teams face increasing pressure to decarbonise public infrastructure, the Mynydd Isa project highlights the vital role of whole-life performance modelling and trusted simulation tools in designing and delivering buildings that truly meet net-zero commitments. Learn more about the project and IES’s pioneering technology here: https://www.iesve.com/discoveries/view/55765/arup-mynydd-isa Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Willmott Dixon has secured planning permission to deliver the new Outwood Academy Kirkby in Nottinghamshire, paving the way for a full replacement of the school’s dated 1970s buildings. Ashfield District Council has approved the scheme, which is fully funded by the Department for Education through its School Rebuilding Programme, with completion targeted for the 2028/29 academic year. The project will create a modern, energy-efficient learning environment designed to meet contemporary curriculum needs and community expectations. Central to the plans are improved specialist teaching areas, dedicated sixth-form facilities and an upgraded sports offer, supporting both pupils and local users. The new main building will be constructed on the existing site, with the design focused on durability, low running costs and a better day-to-day experience for students and staff. To maintain continuity of education, the works will be delivered in phases. A temporary teaching block will be installed and operated alongside the retained lower school and existing sports facilities, ensuring classes can continue with minimal disruption while construction progresses. Once the new school is ready for occupation, the current buildings will be safely demolished and the external sports areas completed, providing the final piece of the campus upgrade. Nick Heath, director of delivery at Willmott Dixon, said the scheme reflects the contractor’s long-standing ties to the county and its emphasis on social impact. “With strong roots in Nottinghamshire, we’re delighted to be the selected partner for Outwood Academy Kirkby. The new facility will provide an enhanced offering to the local community, including dedicated sixth-form spaces and the transformation of the current on-site sporting facilities. As part of the project, we will also be engaging with local schools and colleges to provide careers advice and work experience opportunities. Social value is at the heart of what Willmott Dixon does, and we hope to leave a positive legacy by helping pupils prepare for their future. We have already started working with Outwood Academy Kirkby pupils, delivering mock interviews to help hone their skills for future opportunities.” With planning now in place, enabling works and detailed sequencing can begin ahead of the main build. The approved approach balances the need for a safe, live school environment with the delivery of a high-quality education estate that will serve Kirkby and its surrounding communities for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Eight education building schemes worth more than £270 million have moved into the delivery phase after the Department for Education (DfE) approved the latest tranche of rebuild and refurbishment contracts. Kier secured the largest award with a £69 million full rebuild of Upton-by-Chester High School, reinforcing its strong position on the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme. Tilbury Douglas won three schemes totalling just over £74 million, covering Pershore High School in Worcestershire, Applebee Wood Community Specialist School in Lancashire, and East Durham College. Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed to deliver the £44 million rebuild of Gosford Hill School in Oxfordshire. In south-west London, Willmott Dixon has signed a £35 million contract for Barnes School and Hospital. Offsite specialist Reds10 also features among the winners with a £20 million SEND school in Suffolk, reflecting continued momentum for modern methods of construction across the education estate. The projects form part of the government’s multi-year programme to modernise and improve school and college facilities, addressing condition issues while creating energy-efficient, future-ready learning environments. Each scheme will now proceed through the DfE’s regional construction frameworks, which cover all nine English regions and are designed to streamline procurement, support local supply chains and maintain consistent standards. Collectively, the package represents a significant investment in education infrastructure, promising upgraded teaching spaces, specialist facilities and improved accessibility for pupils and staff. Ground investigations, detailed design and enabling works are expected to begin shortly, with build schedules to be confirmed via the respective framework lots as each project progresses. DfE School and College Project Awards Project Contractor Value (£m) Type Upton-by-Chester High School Kier £69.3m School rebuild Gosford Hill School Bowmer & Kirkland £43.8m School rebuild Barnes School and Hospital Willmott Dixon £34.9m School & hospital Appleby Grammar School Morgan Sindall £29.2m School rebuild East Durham College Tilbury Douglas £26.5m College rebuild Pershore High School Tilbury Douglas £26.4m School rebuild Applebee Wood Community Specialist School Tilbury Douglas £21.5m SEND school Angel Hill School Reds10 £20.3m SEND school Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GRAHAM has been awarded a c.£14 million contract by Hillingdon Council for the design and construction of a new academic building for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Meadow High School in Harefield. Meadow High School is a mixed-gender SEND secondary school catering to 257 pupils in school years 7-14 (aged 11-19) with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are SEND schools in Hillingdon, which are at full capacity and, with demand growing in recent years for support for pupils with additional needs, there is a pressing need to increase facilities in the borough. This new 2276m²’ sq ft, two-storey academic building will provide a supportive and best-in-class learning environment while enhancing existing capacity for up to 100 pupils. Works will include the creation of a range of learning spaces and a multi-use games area, along with extensive landscaping surrounding the building. Additionally, the installation of temporary classrooms, ancillary structures, heat pump and substation enclosures, along with revised vehicular access, car and cycle parking and associated external works. Cllr Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “We continue to deliver on our pledge to provide children in Hillingdon with a high quality and fully inclusive education. This exciting project will create more school places for children with SEND, helping them to reach their full potential in a supportive learning environment, and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape.” Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, added: “Our school improvement and expansion programme is delivering excellent facilities across the borough, and this new facility in Harefield will enhance our offer. Our continued investment locally will also help reduce the council’s reliance on expensive independent special school places.”  Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “This new building will significantly improve SEND facilities and capacity in Meadow High School, also contributing to meeting increasing demand in the wider borough. Thoughtfully designed to ensure an optimum, inspiring, safe and high-quality educational environment for pupils with a range of additional needs, we are excited to deliver this fantastic and much needed project.” GRAHAM will work in collaboration with a project team that includes architect Noviun Architects and structural and civil engineer Hydrock. Construction commenced this summer, with project completion anticipated in Summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work is set to begin at North Herts Education Support Centre (NHESC) at Briar Patch Lane in Letchworth,  where Ashe Construction is delivering a new multi-million pound, two-storey teaching centre for Hertfordshire County Council. NHESC, rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, provides an alternative education for excluded students, or students who are at risk of exclusion, with the aim of supporting a return to permanent full-time education. The expansion will increase capacity from 33 to 40 pupils, ensuring more children can access education through alternative provision. This latest award continues Ashe’s strong track record of successfully delivering projects for Hertfordshire County Council. Ashe has already completed several schemes for Hertfordshire County Council, thanks to the company’s reputation for quality, value and responsible project delivery. Over the past 18 months, Ashe has worked in partnership with the county council and NHESC in shaping the brief, developing the design, and securing planning permission. The new building will provide five general teaching classrooms and four specialist spaces, including IT, science, and food technology. A common room, fitness suite, administrative areas, and dedicated support spaces will also be included. Once the new centre is complete, pupils will move in and Ashe will then demolish the existing building and deliver enhanced outdoor spaces, landscaping, and car parking. Richard Clay, Finance Director at Ashe, said:  “Creating an inspiring, well-designed learning environment is central to helping the Council achieve its vision for this outstanding centre. This project demonstrates the strength of working in partnership with the council to deliver quality projects to benefit the local community. “We’ve built a strong relationship with Hertfordshire County Council based on trust, value, and quality delivery – and this project demonstrates that in action.” Cllr Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring that every child and young person in Hertfordshire has the opportunity to thrive and receive the support they need to fulfil their potential. The expansion of NHESC is a vital step in that journey, providing high-quality, alternative provision in an environment designed to inspire and empower. This investment reflects our dedication to building a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire.” Environmental stewardship is also a priority for Ashe. The Briar Patch site is surrounded by mature trees and wildlife habitats, and while some trees must be removed, Ashe will plant two replacements for every one lost. The ecological plan also includes installing bat and swift boxes and ensuring space for badgers and other wildlife. The new building has been designed for energy efficiency with high levels of insulation, air source heat pumps, and LED lighting. The scheme has been designed by Saunders Boston, with Pellings as project manager and Gleeds as cost consultant. Completion is scheduled for Autumn next year and was procured under the Pagabo Medium Works framework. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals