Highfields Spencer Academy

The school needed to be handed over in July 2020, allowing Spencer Academies Trust to move in ready for the September term. This gave the design and project teams only 17 months to design and deliver the new school. This is where the offsite, modular solution came into its own. Having previously delivered Hackwood Primary Academy together - a nearby school constructed within a similar timeframe and utilising offsite solutions - an offsite approach to construction was identified as the best way to achieve delivery. This was 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.

During the pandemic, work onsite continued efficiently and safely. 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 COVID-19 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. This also contributed to a reduction in subcontractor traffic to site, minimising local disturbance.

Work which needed to be completed onsite was carried out in line with government guidelines, and all members of the supply chain worked collaboratively to ensure each other’s safety and wellbeing. The result was a successful handover of keys which took place one week earlier than planned, as well as being under-budget.

As well as creating an inspiring learning environment and a central hub for the community, Highfields Spencer Academy handed over early, snag free and scored 9/10 for customer satisfaction. All this in just nine months, despite the logistical challenges posed by COVID-19.

Spencer Academies Trust believe that children learn best when they are engaged in an exciting, creative and tailored curriculum. With that in mind, the design boasts eight spacious classrooms, a landscaped garden and a ‘habitat area’ for a biodiverse outdoor learning zone, allowing the pupils to engage and interact with the external environment, increasing their stimulation and creating the opportunity for them to gain practical hands-on learning.

Internally, the large classrooms feature a modern and bright design throughout, to create a positive and engaging learning environment. The building delivers an effective healthy indoor environment with natural daylighting and ventilation along with thermal comfort and acoustics which have been designed to support educational attainment. Outside, the school has great sporting facilities with a hard play area, marked netball and basketball courts, and a large grass football pitch making this the perfect environment to learn and play.

The double-height hall, with it's colourful and striking windows, will be able to be utilised by the local community outside of school hours, and fronts the public square. The windows are completely flat to the façade and the optical illusion provides a welcoming impact, and creates animation from all angles.