Bedford Academy
Framework: SCAPE Regional Construction Framework
Client: Bedford Borough Council
Value: £12m
Location: Mile Road, Bedford
Completion: August 2025
“We are so excited to be able to move into our new sustainable teaching block. As the school continues to grow in student numbers we will increasingly benefit from the fantastic spaces, each designed with the children’s best interests at heart. It’s been a wonderful experience seeing the new block take shape and seeing the whole school community being involved. It’s a building we can all be truly proud of.”
Chris Deller
Headteacher, Bedford Academy
Bedford Academy's new NZCiO classroom block is a state-of-the-art, net zero carbon in operation teaching facility designed to support the school’s growth and deliver long-term educational and community value through sustainable construction and inclusive design.
Delivered for Bedford Borough Council by Ashe Construction through the SCAPE Regional Construction Framework on time, to budget, and with zero defects, the project exemplifies Ashe’s commitment to excellence and collaborative delivery. From the outset, the team embraced a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, achieving net zero carbon in operation through a combination of innovation and technical precision.
Through thoughtful design, sustainable construction, and meaningful community engagement, the Bedford Academy new NZCiO classroom block stands as a model of modern educational infrastructure, delivering long-term value for students, staff, and the wider Bedford community.
Commissioned to support Bedford Academy’s strategic growth to 1,800 pupils by 2029, the new NZCiO classroom block delivers a modern, sustainable two-storey teaching facility.
It features 16 classrooms, changing facilities for 180 students, a dining area and community café, silent study zones, staff offices, and extensive external landscaping. The scheme also includes 300 student lockers, 20 car parking spaces, disabled bays, four EV charging points, and 77 cycle spaces, supporting both functionality and sustainability.
Constructing a major extension within a live school environment required meticulous planning and coordination. Ashe drew on its extensive experience in operational education settings to ensure that disruption was minimised and safety was maintained at all times.
Clear communication with school staff and phased scheduling allowed the team to work efficiently while respecting the rhythms of school life.
Meeting the ambitious sustainability targets posed technical challenges, particularly around airtightness and energy performance. These were overcome through close collaboration with the design team and consultants, and by adopting innovative materials and construction techniques. The use of Passive Purple membrane and specialist coatings, combined with renewable energy systems, enabled the team to meet Net Zero Carbon in Operation standards without compromising design or usability.
Stakeholder engagement was a cornerstone of the project’s success. Regular meetings with Bedford Academy, Bedford Borough Council, and the wider project team ensured that decisions were made collaboratively and that any issues were resolved swiftly. This proactive approach fostered trust and alignment, helping the project stay on track and exceed expectations.
A standout achievement was the building’s exceptional airtightness score of 0.46 ACH, recorded during a blower door test at 50 Pascals. This result significantly exceeded the design target of 2.0 m³/h/m² and reflects the effectiveness of Ashe’s first use of Passive Purple, a spray-applied liquid vapour control membrane. The product enabled airtight sealing across complex junctions and irregular surfaces, contributing to reduced heat loss, improved energy efficiency, and long-term durability. The test was independently verified, assuring compliance and performance.
Renewable energy systems were central to the design, with 212 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof — large enough to power the entire building, with grid backup for cloudy days. Air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery units further enhanced the building’s energy profile, creating a comfortable and healthy learning environment for students and staff.
A key milestone in the project was the steel signing ceremony, held in October 2024. Students from each year group, staff, and representatives from Bedford Borough Council, project managers Pick Everard, and the wider project team gathered to sign a section of the steel frame before it was installed. This symbolic gesture gave students a sense of ownership and pride, embedding their legacy into the very structure of the building. The event was a celebration of progress, collaboration, and community spirit, and was praised by attendees for its energy and inclusivity.
Community and environmental impact
Social value was embedded throughout the project. Over 500 pupils visited the site during construction, engaging with the build process and learning about careers in construction. Ashe actively encouraged its supply chain to involve female and ethnic minority workers, reflecting the diversity of the local community and promoting inclusive employment practices. Circular economy principles were applied throughout, with reused materials, including paint cans, timber, and flooring offcuts, saving approximately one tonne of greenhouse gases.
The new NZCiO classroom block was designed not only to meet the educational needs of Bedford Academy but also to serve the wider community. The inclusion of a community café and multi-use spaces accessible outside school hours supports local engagement and provides a welcoming environment for community groups and activities. Infrastructure improvements, such as EV charging points and extensive cycle parking, promote sustainable travel and reduce the environmental footprint of the site.
The project generated exceptional social and economic value. According to Thrive data, it delivered £12.5 million in total social value, including £4.9 million in local economic benefit and £1.77 million in social and environmental value. Donations of £13,070 were made in cash and products, and 16 hours of educational engagement were delivered. The Social and Total Economic Benefit (STEV) reached 104%, with a Social and Local Economic Benefit (SLEV) of 56%.
"We’re very sensitive to the needs of schools when we’re working in live settings so we will bring all our experience to bear on this project for Bedford Academy. We also plan to involve the whole school community in events to celebrate project milestones and will find opportunities to show the pupils, firsthand, the variety of construction-related careers available to them in the future. They’ll be able to see how their new facilities develop and by inviting them to see our team at work, they can find out more about the different roles that work together to deliver outstanding projects.”
Andrew Morris
Business Development Director, Ashe
Social value outcomes
This project has been submitted by Ashe Construction as part of the collaborative Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report. This report captures the latest insights into the regional and national trends in social value delivery; learn more here.
£12.5m
in total social value
£4.9m
in local economic benefit
£1.77m
in social and environmental value
£13,070
worth of donations made in cash and products
16 hours
of educational engagement delivered
In collaboration with:
Meet the lead:
Owen Cheshire
Framework Manager | Construction
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