Mar 2026 • £8 also in this issue: Modular The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge was built using modular construction methods Flooring The new sustainable face of vinyl enables greener schools Slate One of the oldest building materials is proving ideal for modern schools Scotland shows the way on health and wellbeing Clackmannanshire’s co-located leisure centre, wellbeing hub and Lochie’s ASN School is being built to Passivhaus standards
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educationdab.co.uk 3 Government boosts investment in school estates As EDB has been highlighting for many years, our education estate faces significant challenges regarding maintenance and funding. The over 22,000 schools and blocks in England carry a maintenance backlog of approximately £11 billion. So it is very welcome news that the government has launched a new 10-year plan to overhaul England’s ageing and deteriorating school estate, promising billions in investment to replace crumbling buildings, improve maintenance and make schools more inclusive and climate resilient. Backed by £38 billion in capital funding between 2025-26 and 2029-30 — the highest level since 2010, according to the government — the strategy aims to address widespread problems including leaking roofs, failing heating systems, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), overheating classrooms and buildings unsuited to growing numbers of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A key reform will see the existing Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) replaced by autumn 2028. Currently, eligible schools must compete annually for maintenance funding through a bidding process, with only 35 per cent of applicants successful in 2024. The new system will remove the need for full bids, allowing academy trusts, councils and dioceses to access maintenance funding more easily. In return, responsible bodies will be required to collect and share more detailed data about the condition of their estates. A new £710 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme will launch in April, initially targeting 50 schools across three regions. The scheme will fund major repairs, energy efficiency upgrades and flood resilience measures, extending building life by up to 40 years. From 2027, it will expand nationwide. Alongside repairs, the government confirmed nearly £20 billion for the ongoing School Rebuilding Programme, covering 750 schools by 2035. All new projects will assess the need for on-site nurseries, inclusion bases and family hubs, with new design standards focused on ventilation, lighting, outdoor space and climate resilience. With new money promised, the attention now switches to the construction industry and its capacity to respond effectively. Its input will be critical to the success of school rebuilding efforts. As we know, the industry faces major challenges such as skill shortages, materials inflation and fragmented pipelines, which can delay the delivery of large-scale programmes. Collaboration among stakeholders will be essential for improving productivity and addressing the needs of the education estate Equally critical will be developing and expanding the country’s skilled workforce. Upskilling initiatives, such as apprenticeships and local skills improvement plans, are crucial for tapping into the potential workforce. With so many young people not currently in work, there is a vast market to unlock, if funding and training can be made available by the Government and employers have the patience to recruit and train them well. Scotland shows the way on health and wellbeing Clackmannanshire’s co-located leisure centre, wellbeing hub and Lochie’s ASN School is being built to Passivhaus standards. Story page p10 Editor Andrew Pring Head of sales Julian Walter Media sales manager Terry Stafford Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Leal Cid & Gemma England Managing director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. Publishers Stable Publishing Limited, SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. sales@educationdab.co.uk Andrew Pring Editor andrew@stable-media.co.uk
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educationdab.co.uk 5 educationdab.co.uk contents Mar 2026 7The government has unveiled a sweeping 10-year plan to overhaul England’s ageing and deteriorating school estate, promising billions in investment to replace crumbling buildings. 8 Wellbeing Biophilic educational spaces aid wellbeing and make good business sense, as Tring Park School in Tring, Hertfordshire demonstrates. 10 Design Solutions The inside track on Clackmannanshire’s first-of-its-kind co-located leisure centre, wellbeing hub and Lochie’s ASN School – a £76 million flagship project which started construction in September, to Passivhaus standards. 16 Timber frame Tonbridge SEND college expansion using timber frame construction saves council £1m per year. 17 Façades From striking architectural statements to critical elements of energy performance and fire safety, façades play a vital role throughout the lifecycle of buildings. 19 Flooring Vinyl flooring has long been a traditional specification choice for schools and can still deliver on the need for greener interiors. 26 Playground equipment Clapham Manor Primary School in Lambeth, has transformed its outdoor space with a new play area designed to bring children closer to nature while encouraging active, imaginative play; plus Bilton Grange Preparatory School’s new boarding house has a helter skelter-style slide to transport children between levels. 28 Energy Ysgol Tir Morfa Community School in Rhyl, North Wales was identified as a property that could easily transition to heat pumps – our case study shows how they did it.
6 educationdab.co.uk news Great Learners Trust first MAT to receive EnCO status Great Learners Trust (GLT), with its 11 Buckinghamshire primary schools, has become the first multi-academy trust to achieve Energy Conscious Organisation (EnCO) status for its work collectively reducing energy consumption through operational and behavioural change. GLT follows in the footsteps of global engineering giants to achieve this standard from EnCO, a not-for-profit joint initiative run by the Energy Services and Technology Association and supported by the Energy Institute. The Trust also received a coveted award for demonstrating energy management and savings from people-led interventions and solutions at the recent EnCO Annual Conference, and its EnCO Organisation status is valid for three years. The GLT application and accompanying case study showed the Trust had followed the principles of behaviour change namely: engagement, alertness, skills, recognition and adaption as set out in the EnCO matrix. The judges commented that “the Trust gave many examples of how these principles have been applied in practice and achieved energy efficiencies with impressive reductions”. The submission highlighted how GLT leaders have written an extensive Sustainability Policy and aims to be net zero by 2050. Progress towards that trajectory is updated annually and the Trust is on track. Limited resources mean the Trust is exploring “no cost behaviour change initiatives” to bring down consumption. Through logging gas supplies and accessing 30-minute electricity data, investigation of out-ofhours consumption and full involvement of all stakeholders, the overall electricity at the Trust has remained static despite the move to electrical heating. Gas has reduced by 26% and carbon 21% from the base year. This is all attributed to using data to spot problems, investigate anomalies and dedicated monthly energy and carbon reporting to continuously measure and manage consumption. Water has also recently been included in line with the sustainability policy. Amongst the school-based initiatives cited were moves to decarbonise heating at Elmhurst School which set the trajectory for reducing both energy and carbon, West Wycombe Primary School replacing oil heating with electrical heating from heat pumps, and Princes Risborough Primary School making substantial savings following the installation of gas loggers. Vistry and Keir deliver Park Primary Academy in regeneration project Beam Park’s first school, Park Primary Academy, has officially opened as part of the ambitious Beam Park residential scheme being delivered by the housebuilder Vistry (via its Countryside Partnerships brand) and L&Q. The school is operated by Partnership Learning, a multi-academy trust overseeing 20 primary, secondary and special schools across London boroughs including Havering and Barking & Dagenham. Located at the heart of one of Havering Council’s most ambitious new communities, Beam Park encompasses an eight-phase masterplan delivering approximately 4,000 homes. Park Primary Academy was constructed by Kier for the Department for Education. Developed on a former brownfield site, the school exemplifies Kier’s commitment to creating modern, sustainable learning environments. It is among the first DfE-backed schools to benefit from district heating via the Beam Park network and has achieved a BREEAM “Very Good” rating for environmental performance. Key sustainability features include optimised natural light and ventilation to enhance wellbeing and reduce energy demand; high-performance insulated glazing for improved thermal efficiency; and rooftop photovoltaic panels generating renewable electricity, with surplus exported back to the grid. The school will grow to serve 420 pupils aged 4 to 11, expanding from an initial single-form entry in Reception to two forms per year group by 2032. A nursery will be added once local demand grows. The school also features specialist SEND provision for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD), and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), to be commissioned by the local authority when required.
educationdab.co.uk 7 news Government sets out new education strategy The government has unveiled a sweeping 10-year plan to overhaul England’s ageing and deteriorating school estate, promising billions in investment to replace crumbling buildings, improve maintenance and make schools more inclusive and climate resilient. The Education Estates Strategy, published last month by the Department for Education, sets out what ministers describe as a “decade of national renewal” for schools and colleges. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the plan would “turn the page on years of neglect”, blaming previous administrations for long-term underinvestment and the cancellation of the Building Schools for the Future programme in 2010. Backed by £38 billion in capital funding between 2025-26 and 2029-30 — the highest level since 2010, according to the government — the strategy aims to address widespread problems including leaking roofs, failing heating systems, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), overheating classrooms and buildings unsuited to growing numbers of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A key reform will see the existing Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) replaced by autumn 2028. Currently, eligible schools must compete annually for maintenance funding through a bidding process, with only 35 per cent of applicants successful in 2024. The new system will remove the need for full bids, allowing academy trusts, councils and dioceses to access maintenance funding more easily. In return, responsible bodies will be required to collect and share more detailed data about the condition of their estates. To support this shift, the government will launch a new digital platform, “Manage Your Education Estate”, bringing together guidance, tools and data in one place. From autumn 2026, responsible bodies must submit an annual return confirming they meet national standards, with support plans introduced where standards are not met. National data collection is expected to be fully rolled out by 2028. The strategy also addresses falling pupil numbers in some areas and rising demand for SEND provision. Ministers plan to centralise strategic planning for surplus school space, with pilot schemes exploring how empty classrooms or land could be repurposed for nurseries, family hubs, health centres or even housing, in partnership with other government departments. A new £710 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme will launch in April, initially targeting 50 schools across three regions. The scheme will fund major repairs, energy efficiency upgrades and flood resilience measures, extending building life by up to 40 years. From 2027, it will expand nationwide. Alongside repairs, the government confirmed nearly £20 billion for the ongoing School Rebuilding Programme, covering 750 schools by 2035. All new projects will assess the need for on-site nurseries, inclusion bases and family hubs, with new design standards focused on ventilation, lighting, outdoor space and climate resilience. Ministers say the reforms mark a shift from “sticking-plaster” repairs to longterm strategic renewal, aiming to ensure schools are fit for purpose — and fit for the future — for decades to come. Alessandro Caruso Architects has been named Winner in the Educational Design (Built) category at the World Design Awards 2025 for the South Hunsley School Teaching Block, also known as the Ferriby Building. The award recognises ACA’s thoughtful and human-centred approach to educational architecture, celebrating a project that combines strong contextual design, sustainability and wellbeingfocused principles. Located within the South Hunsley School campus in East Yorkshire, the two-storey teaching block was designed to support contemporary teaching and learning through a calm, welcoming and flexible environment. The building accommodates a series of modern classrooms alongside reception, administrative and support spaces, all organised to promote clarity, accessibility and ease of movement. Natural light, views to the surrounding landscape and a warm material palette play a key role in shaping the building’s character. Inspired by a tree house, timber cladding and carefully considered proportions help the new facility sit comfortably within its setting, while giving it a distinct and contemporary identity. Yorkshire 6th form college wins World Design Award Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has promised major investment for crumbling schools.
wellbeing Since 1919, the Tring Park School in Tring, Hertfordshire has provided a unique education in the performing arts to students aged between 11-18, seeking to nurture creativity in a community for talented young people, who have a passion for acting, dance, musical theatre or commercial music. The Mansion House, the main school building – is a beautiful baroque-style stately home, built to a design of Sir Christopher Wren in 1685 and is a former home to generations of the Rothschild family. It recently commissioned a new boarding house from the architects Burrell Foley Fischer, with interior design input and furniture provided by Eve Waldron Design (EWD). The project consisted of furniture and window treatments to the entire boarding house. This included bespoke design of accommodation furniture for 68 boarders as well as common room furniture on both floors. Other specialised furniture was also provided including drama storage and drama curtains, art furniture and cupboards and staff accommodation furniture. The brief was to deliver all this on a set budget, and before the start of the new term. When responding to the brief, the team ensured that their specifications related to the overall design of the building, using materials and colours to compliment it. EWD took into consideration the natural views through the large windows and got their cues for the colour scheme from nature beyond. They were keen to incorporate wellbeing and biophilic principles into their design as much as possible. Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry which increases connectivity to the natural world through incorporating the use of direct or indirect elements of nature. Research has shown that incorporating these principles can reduce stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates; all whilst increasing productivity, creativity and self-reported rates of well-being. With this in mind, EWD provided a scheme with natural materials, colours and textures in mind – materials included natural oak joinery, and a palette of calming greens and blues, as well as lots of plants within the scheme. Using plants within an educational space not only looks good and soothes, but also boosts the oxygen levels. The boarding house had to provide spaces that were both restorative for boarders, conducive to studying, and fit for purpose – the school wanted the furniture to be robust and last. By selecting complimentary loose furniture that is built to last, the team ensured that the finished spaces were as sustainable as possible. Her team also provided window treatments along these same lines – which will last longer, which avoids the need to constantly replace pieces. This makes good business sense too and saves money in the long run. Since opening for the start of the new school year, Elizabeth House has proved extremely popular amongst students, parents and staff alike. Anselm Barker, Tring’s Deputy Principal, said, “Eve Waldron and her team were a pleasure to work with... We are delighted with the result and the feedback from pupils, parents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive." www.evewaldrondesign.com www.bff-architects.com Biophilic educational spaces aid wellbeing and make good business sense, as interior-architecture practice Eve Waldron Design explains Biophilic design aids wellbeing at Tring Park 8 educationdab.co.uk
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schemes were initially explored as individual entities. However, in 2023, Clackmannanshire Council brought them together as a single co-location project which met the Scottish Futures Trust’s Learning Estate Investment Programme objectives and the Scottish Governments co-location directive. That allowed us to deliver the hub, retain swimming provision for Clackmannanshire and meet the funding framework’s aims around colocation, effectiveness, reduced carbon and economic viability. The decision scaled the project up massively – from a “let’s build a new swimming pool for £5–10 million” idea to a £76 million programme. That figure was actually a reduction from the original £77.5 million capital commitment, so we’ve actually saved against the initial allocation. It became a big talking point across Scotland because there isn’t a like-for-like equivalent. HA: What’s so special about this project? RM:The project is unique in the UK because it’s the first fully co-located ASN (Additional Support Needs) school and non-restricted leisure facility sharing the same site. Both facilities will operate concurrently, allowing community leisure and wellbeing programmes and activity to happen without compromising school access or safety. We’re also pursuing full Passivhaus certification across both the school and the hub. We went looking for UK examples of Passivhaus leisure with pools and at the time really only found St Sidwell’s in Exeter. We visited this facility, learned a lot and decided to push for full certification on both projects. That certainly brings challenges – especially with our four pools – but it’s the right choice. Planning permission was approved in February 2025, and in August, the council signed off the final business case and the full budget allocation. We’ve started enabling works for site preparation to hold the programme, while full construction officially started in September. HA: Is everything physically within the one building and how does that work? RM: The building is made up of two linked wings. The school has nine class spaces at 61 sqm each, which is a good size and more appropriate for the learners’ needs. These rooms house up to six pupils per class with severe and complex needs. There’s also a dining hall, a rebound therapy room, a hydrotherapy pool, staff 10 educationdab.co.uk design solutions Clackmannanshire’s pioneering ASN school and wellbeing hub Helen Adkins, editor of EDB’s sister title HDM, speaks to team leader of the Wellbeing Hub, Ross McGuire, about Clackmannanshire’s first-of-its-kind co-located leisure centre, wellbeing hub and Lochie’s ASN School – a £76 million flagship project which started construction in September, to Passivhaus standards HA: When was the project first conceived and why? RM: The project stems back to Covid days. Alloa’s Leisure Bowl – our only major leisure facility in Clackmannanshire – was ageing. After it closed, the council decided that the continued costs no longer represented best value, and decided to invest in something new and bespoke, which was the Wellbeing Hub. Originally the Wellbeing Hub was a standalone idea, and there was a separate discussion with the Scottish Futures Trust about a new school for children with profound, multiple, severe and complex additional support needs to replace the existing Lochies School. Both
resourcing and an NHS/medical room. Every classroom has its own hygiene room, plus stimulation and quiet rooms, and there’s an internal courtyard. It’s a school for children with profound, multiple, severe and complex additional support needs so everything is designed around those needs. The wellbeing hub sits alongside with a connection point, so in the evenings we can access the school’s hydrotherapy pool. The hub’s main entrance leads to the lower pool halls, the sports hall, the children’s play area, the café and a wellbeing courtyard. Upstairs there’s a large gym space, a multipurpose room that can function as a dark room for sensory deprivation or used primarily for adult fitness classes, and a larger multipurpose room for conferences and adult fitness but also for community groups or for school use when appropriate. HA: Take me through the design process and consultation. Who’s been involved? RM: Early on we set up a co-design group including families, young people with disabilities, teachers, community groups, older adults and minority groups. The brief was simple – if you could design this place, what would it have? We gathered that input and iterated the design several times to accommodate as much as possible. We then took the basis to delivery partners – HSCP, NHS, Forth Valley College, Local Clubs, Community groups etc.– and into procurement for main contractor, M&E specialists, and JM Architects. After procurement we carried out value engineering. We trimmed roughly 1,000 sqm without compromising the core goals. We lost one multipurpose room on the lower level and some circulation space, but the primary functions are intact. HA: Passivhaus for a co-located school and leisure hub with four pools sounds challenging. What have been the biggest technical challenges and the benefits? RM: If it were just a sports facility, it would be easier. Passivhaus is about energy retention, thermal envelopes and airtightness – it favours vertically layered buildings, which is partly why St Sidwell’s works over four storeys. Our school must be single-storey, so the building spreads, which Passivhaus doesn’t love. That means upping construction standards to maintain the envelope, retain heat and reduce consumption. We’re within certification range for the building. Pools are a separate process because of their unique nature but that work is in hand. Someone might look at it and argue the build is “over-designed” if you ignored energy. But the point is long-term cost and carbon reduction. We expect energy reductions of roughly 60–80% against typical portfolios, including the pools. Pools are closing around the country because of energy costs, so this is how we plan to make it viable without breaking the bank. It has been difficult and was on the value-engineering list at one point, but the benefits are far greater than the savings from removing it. HA: Safeguarding and separation: how do you keep the school secure while sharing a site? RM: Think two buildings joined by a corridor. The school has its own gated entrance, perimeter fencing, and secure playgrounds and courtyards. Internally there are controlled doors that only authorised people can open during the day, with full alarm systems. The school and hub have separate evacuation routes and muster points. We can completely isolate the school during the day, then open appropriate areas for community access in the evenings. It avoids the single-entrance issue that often forces a facility to be either school or community. Clackmannanshire Council are building this as a place for everybody. Inclusion isn’t an add-on, but the starting point. The energy standard is there so the building remains affordable to run for the long term, including the pools. And the co-location is there so young people aren’t isolated at the back of a site but are right in the middle of a community venue, with the support to take part safely and confidently. That’s the aim. educationdab.co.uk 11 design solutions Main contractor: Robertson Construction Central East M&E specialists: BakerHicks Architects: JM Architects Construction start: September 2025 Expected completion: Autumn 2027
CONFIRMED for 19 and 20 March 2026 at the prestigious Cameron House, Loch Lomond. Booking is now open, and anticipation is already rising for what promises to be one of the most dynamic gatherings in the sector’s calendar. This year, the education building forum Scotland will take place alongside two sister events, the healthcare buildings forum Scotland and the physical activity facilities forum Scotland. This co-location creates a unique environment where related sectors can meet, share insight and learn from each other’s challenges and solutions. With so many of Scotland’s built environment professionals gathering in one place, the event reflects the belief that meaningful progress in public sector construction increasingly relies on collaboration across disciplines as well as within them. Set against the iconic backdrop of Loch Lomond, the forum brings together architects, contractors, suppliers, university estates managers, local authorities, hub representatives and Scottish Government stakeholders. It offers delegates the opportunity to explore the issues shaping Scotland’s education estate, learn from real projects and hear directly from those driving new thinking across design, procurement and delivery. A programme of high level seminars forms the core of the event, while the forum’s well established schedule of pre arranged one to one meetings ensures that every participant can make purposeful business connections. Combined with informal networking and shared social activities across all three events, the result is an energising atmosphere that encourages open discussion and the exchange of ideas between sectors that frequently overlap in practice. Potential speakers with relevant projects, research or experience are invited to join the seminar programme, and those interested are encouraged to contact Georgie Smith to discuss opportunities – Georgie.smith@stable-events.co.uk Attendance is complimentary for professionals who are actively involved in the design, construction or ongoing management of education buildings, estates and facilities. This reflects the event’s commitment to supporting the sector through accessible knowledge sharing and practical collaboration. The education building forum Scotland promises to be an inspiring and influential occasion for everyone committed to creating exceptional learning environments, and a powerful reminder that the future of Scotland’s public estates is strongest when shaped together. Scotland’s leading event dedicated to the design and delivery of learning environments will return this spring 12 educationdab.co.uk ebfs preview What: education building forum Scotland 2026 When: 19 & 20 March 2026 Where: Cameron House, Loch Lomond Web: www.ebf-scotland.co.uk Cameron House, Loch Lomond - The stunning venue for ebf Scotland 2026 The education building forum Scotland returns in March 2026 Testimonials “As designers we often don't engage with suppliers as much as we should. As a director, I found the opportunity to influence the selections our specifiers will make, invaluable.” Scott Brownrigg “A well organised, fun and informative event that gave me a chance to discover some new and alternative products and meet with some good potential contacts for future projects.” Lytle Associates Architects “It was good to meet and listen to colleagues from across the sector and share insights and expertise. The speaker sessions were inspirational and informative and I have come away enthused with new ideas.” King’s School, Canterbury
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educationdab.co.uk 15 project Seven Stars primary: a benchmark for sustainable and inclusive education SEVEN Stars Primary School and Nursery in Leyland, Lancashire, is redefining modern education - demonstrating that net zero carbon in operation, inclusive design, and highquality learning environments can be delivered cohesively without compromise. Delivered by Conlon Construction, on behalf of the Department for Education, the new primary school replaces a building that had served the local community for more than half a century. In its place now stands a future-focused, two-storey facility that supports 210 pupils and sets a benchmark for sustainable education design in the UK. Seven Stars is one of the first 50 schools nationally to achieve net zero carbon in operation, meeting the DfE’s stringent sustainability standards. From the earliest design stages, the project prioritised low-carbon performance, longterm efficiency and pupil wellbeing. Conlon was appointed to deliver the scheme due to its established expertise in education construction and sustainable building practices, ensuring that environmental ambition translated into practical, buildable solutions. The new school has a Gross Internal Area of 1,671sqm and has been designed around flexibility, accessibility and inclusion. It includes eight classrooms serving pupils from Early Years through to Year 6, alongside two specialist classrooms dedicated to children with special educational needs (SEN). A centrally positioned multi-use main hall supports PE, assemblies, dining and community hire, enabling the school to function as a shared resource for the wider area. Sustainability is embedded throughout the fabric and systems of the building. The school operates without the use of fossil fuels for heating or hot water, supported by air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, passive ventilation, and high-performance insulation. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and contribute to thermal performance and surface water management. Together, these measures allow the building to meet its net zero carbon in operation targets while providing a comfortable, healthy internal environment throughout the year. Equal attention was given to the external works, recognising the importance of outdoor space in primary education. A central playground forms the heart of the site, complemented by two smaller play areas specifically designed for Early Years and SEN pupils. New play equipment and two covered outdoor learning spaces support yearround outdoor education, while a dedicated habitat zone with a pond introduces opportunities for environmental learning and interaction with nature. A new car park with electric vehicle charging points supports sustainable travel choices and aligns with the school’s wider net zero carbon ambitions, reinforcing sustainability as a visible and practical part of everyday school life. Conlon appointed a local supply chain throughout the project, working closely with Bowker Sadler Architecture, Bowker Building Services Engineers for MEP, Keith Walton Brickwork Ltd, and Taylor Decorating Contractors. This collaborative approach helped ensure quality, efficiency and strong relationships across all stages of delivery. Engagement with pupils and staff was central to the project’s success. Children were invited to participate safely in key milestones, including laying the first bricks and observing crane lifts, helping them understand how their new school was built. Commenting on the project, Guy Parker, chair of Conlon, said: “Seven Stars Primary School and Nursery provides a lasting legacy for the Leyland community. The project demonstrates how education buildings can meet ambitious sustainability targets while delivering inclusive, inspiring spaces that support learning, wellbeing and community use. As the education sector continues to respond to climate challenges, Seven Stars stands as a clear example of how net zero carbon in operation schools can be successfully delivered at scale.” www.conlon-construction.co.uk www.bowker-sadler.co.uk www.chrisbowker.co.uk www.kwbl.co.uk
16 educationdab.co.uk modular Tonbridge SEND college expansion saves council £1m per year THE Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge has unveiled its new home learning centre, The Point, which opened at the end of last year. Sustainable construction firm, TG Escapes, designed and built the new building using modular construction methods. The Point was completed in just six months, allowing education to continue at The Oaks with minimal disruption. The single-storey, 435 sqm2 building will be used by learners aged 18 to 25 with a variety of special educational needs and disabilities. It features four flexible learning spaces, including a workshop with specialist provision for those with physical disabilities (such as a riser kitchen, a track and hoist, and accessible self-care facilities), plus a media space where learners can practice skills like coding and film-making with specialist equipment adapted to their needs. The Point is part of a £1.8m project to expand the special educational provision at The Oaks. After initial plans were approved in early 2025, work began in March and was completed in October. This expansion also represents a major cost saving of £1m per year for the local authority. Educating a learner with a physical disability at The Oaks costs around £42,000 a year, compared with an annual average of £141,750 for out-of-county placements. By increasing local capacity, The Oaks can support more young people with special educational needs and disabilities closer to home while helping local authorities ease the financial pressure of high-cost EHCP placements. TG Escapes was chosen to design and build The Point because of their sustainable construction methods, biophilic design principles, and specialist experience in the education sector. Mark Guyatt, Lead Architectural Consultant at TG Escapes, said: “Biophilic design is an architectural approach that seeks to connect a building’s occupants with nature, promoting wellbeing, health, and productivity. When these principles are applied to a school environment, the benefits for students are clear. For example, a 2015 study found that school surroundings rich in greenery are linked to improved cognitive skills, while maximising natural light helps to reduce reliance on harsh artificial lighting, which can be distressing for students with special educational needs and disabilities. The Point at The Oaks is a prime example of this in practice. We incorporated natural materials like timber, floor-toceiling windows and skylights, covered canopies and other elements that demonstrate biophilic design in action and link the inside to out. Students were also invited to safely explore their new space during construction.” Beverley Fordham, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Kent County Council, said: “The opening of The Point marks a significant step forward for young people with SEND in Kent. This new provision will not only offer high-quality, tailored learning in a modern and inclusive environment, but also allow more students to access the support they need closer to home. Importantly, the introduction of features like hoists and accessible self-care facilities means that students with physical disabilities now have access to learning spaces and equipment that were previously unavailable. This is about more than just education - it’s about independence, dignity, and opportunity. We’re proud to support projects like this that make a real difference in young people’s lives.” The bespoke timber-clad building has been designed to have a gold-standard ‘A*’ EPC rating, and is powered by renewable energy technology. Features like this support The Oaks’ “Let’s Go Zero” carbon reduction plan, and will save an estimated £4.5-6k in annual running costs and 3.2 tons of CO2 per year compared to buildings meeting minimum building control standards. www.tgescapes.co.uk
educationdab.co.uk 17 exteriors Façades: the first line of defence From striking architectural statements to critical elements of energy performance and fire safety, façades play a vital role throughout the lifecycle of buildings, writes Daniel Snape MRICS, Associate Director, Watts Group Many professionals operating in the built environment lack a solid understanding of the different types of façade systems currently in use, the advantages and disadvantages of these systems, their common defects, and the importance of a robust inspection and maintenance regime. Yet façades can account for up to 35% of the overall construction cost of a building, with factors such as complexity, materials, and overall project size influencing costs. And they are also the area most prone to failure. There are three types of façades commonly encountered in the UK Built Environment: traditional brickwork, curtain walling, and rainscreen cladding. Traditional brickwork: Brick masonry has been used for centuries in the UK due to its high durability and can last decades when properly constructed and maintained. It provides resistance to fire and infestation, offers good acoustic performance, and is generally considered to be low maintenance with repairs typically required at wider intervals. However, brickwork can be timeconsuming to construct, is porous which can lead to damp issues in older properties and is susceptible to cracking due to its poor tensile strength. Curtain walling (unitised and stick systems): Curtain walling can be categorised into either unitised or stick systems. Unitised systems are formed of prefabricated panels manufactured off site, offering enhanced thermal, acoustic, and weather performance. They are typically quicker to install on site and can incorporate structural movement and fire resistance during the design and manufacturing process. Stick systems are constructed on site, formed of individual components known as mullions and transoms with glazing panels installed into these components. This form of curtain walling offers flexibility, lower upfront costs and is generally easier to maintain. However, both forms of curtain walling are expensive and sensitive to workmanship quality. Rainscreen Cladding: Rainscreen cladding is a modern, lightweight system offering quicker installation than traditional methods of construction.This form of façade offers ventilation and moisture control through an air cavity, can enhance thermal performance, and depending on choice of materials can be low maintenance. However, these systems are expensive, require increased design, detailing and planning, and have only become popular in recent decades resulting in less data on their long-term weaknesses. Watts surveyors commonly encounter the following façade defects: Traditional brickwork: External cracks caused by a variety of reasons such as thermal movement, structural settlement, subsidence, heave, and cavity wall tie failure; spalling brickwork caused by freeze-thaw cycles.; and mortar deterioration caused by weather exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, erosion, structural movement, incorrect construction, and natural ageing. Curtain walling: Water ingress caused by a variety of issues such as poor installation and detailing of sealant and weatherstrips, blocked drainage channels, improper maintenance, defective materials and environmental factors which accelerate ageing; shrunken and dislodged gaskets due to age, improper maintenance and weather exposure; dislodged caps to mullions and transoms due to improper installation and thermal expansion. Rainscreen cladding: Missing or insufficient cavity barriers resulting in fire safety hazards; distortion of HighPressure Laminate (HPL) panels due to incorrect fixing detailing which does not allow for natural thermal movement; lack of drainage and ventilation provisions within the systems cavity including blocked drainage which can result in water ingress and moisture issues. These issues not only compromise building performance and appearance but can also result in significant safety hazards and financial liability. Which is why undertaking regular inspection of a building’s façade is so important How often should inspections be undertaken? The British Standards Institute’s BS 8210 recommends a tiered approach, involving routine inspections which should be undertaken throughout the annual period; an annual inspection, and this could be part of an annual Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) survey or general building condition assessments; and detailed inspections, which should be undertaken no less than once every three years. www.watts.co.uk
18 educationdab.co.uk interiors Tough-wearing paint for Skypoint School in Greenock When Skypoint School, part of Spark of Genius’ UK network of specialist education providers, relocated to a striking 19th Century building, it marked more than just a change of address. As part of the move, the interiors had to be transformed into a welcoming environment tailored to young people with additional support needs – with Valspar Trade Tough Matt playing a key role in making this vision a reality. Spark of Genius, part of CareTech, is a leading provider of education and residential care throughout the UK, with a focus on empowering and enabling children and young people. Skypoint School, one of its independent specialist schools, is dedicated to providing tailored education to young people aged from 7 to 18 with additional support needs. Having recently moved to a new site in Greenock, Scotland, a full building refurbishment was required before the start of the new academic year, with half a million pounds invested. Speaking about the project, Scott Wilson, Project Manager at Spark of Genius, said: “The move represents an exciting step forward for the school community, offering more space and a chance to expand. The new location is a beautiful, listed building that dates back to 1865. It required a full redecoration, with the previous interior featuring some quite dark and overly vibrant colours. Our plan was to create a brighter, calming and more welcoming environment, with white ceilings and pastel colours on the walls. “Working with the school maintenance team, we’ve used Valspar Trade products for years. For this project, we chose Valspar Trade Tough Matt for the walls and ceilings. Durability was a must when it came to choosing the paint. With capacity for 50 students, it was essential that the paint could stand up to the school’s daily wear and tear, especially within high traffic areas.” Valspar Trade Tough Matt is a waterbased, stain resistant and scrubbable formulation, giving long-term performance, while its high opacity and superior covering power ensures excellent application. Scott continued: “Our local Valspar Trade representative was on hand throughout, including carrying out site visits and supporting with estimated paint quantities. He also helped us with the colour scheme specification. Within the education sector, the emphasis is on creating a welcoming environment that inspires productivity – something that becomes even more critical when it comes to creating a safe learning space for young people with additional support needs. As such, we chose a variety of calming, pastel shades for the internal walls, including Blush Wash, Dusky Sand and White Moss. “The site team have been really pleased with the paint’s opacity, saving them valuable time. The coverage was particularly impressive when you consider some of the dark green walls we were painting over. We expected it to take multiple coats, so were pleasantly surprised that it only took two coats of Valspar Trade Tough Matt to achieve a high-quality finish and true colour.” From Sherwin Williams, Valspar Trade offers a range of high-quality paint essentials for all interior and exterior applications, designed to provide the perfect finish every time. Priding itself on its colour matching capabilities, with a database of over 2.2 million shades, Valspar Trade is available exclusively at TradePoint, with a Direct2Site service available on orders of 100 litres or £500. www.valspartrade.co.uk
ACROSS the UK, schools are working towards significant carbon reduction targets, all driven by the Department for Education’s (DfE) strategy aiming for net zero by 2050, with an interim goal of a 75% cut by 2037. The end of 2025 saw the deadline for all schools to nominate a Sustainability Lead and set out their Climate Action Plan (CAP), designed to detail steps for energy efficiency and waste reduction, amongst others. Campaigns like Let’s Go Zero are taking this a step further, encouraging schools to become zero-carbon by 2030. Against this landscape is the unavoidable fact that schools and colleges are incredibly busy and high traffic environments, facing growing class sizes and extensive daily wear and tear. As such, interior refurbishments are a common occurrence, taking place during school holidays to avoid downtime or disruption to learning. This makes it important to choose carefully when it comes to building products and materials, contributing to greener interiors that don’t compromise on design, function or material longevity. Take flooring as an example, one of the largest surface areas in any building. While carpet tiles are a common choice for classrooms, a harder wearing, resilient flooring (such as vinyl) is ideal for busy communal spaces, such as corridors and hallways. Vinyl may offer excellent durability and cleanability; yet, it has never had a particularly positive perception amongst the market as a sustainable solution. However, this could all be about to change, thanks to new manufacturing innovations. Typically, vinyl is manufactured from PVC, a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer that is commonly derived from salt and oil or gas. Today, tasked with contributing to a greener built environment, some flooring manufacturers are getting innovative with material sourcing. A great example is the incorporation of bio-based materials (such as used cooking oil) within the PVC itself, helping to significantly lower the embodied carbon of the vinyl floor covering. As well as bio-based materials, it’s also worthwhile looking for vinyl that contains a large percentage of recycled content. Of course, you can’t talk about sustainability without also considering a product’s expected lifespan. Vinyl flooring offers long-term durability with excellent dimensional stability, while its hygienic and non-porous surface allows for easy cleaning, avoiding over-reliance on harsh chemicals. Some vinyl solutions even include a smart topcoat, which can offer further protection against chemicals, scratches and stains. For example, Forbo recently launched its new Sphera Elite b+ collection of homogeneous vinyl. With an impressive 50% reduction in embodied carbon compared to the standard Sphera range and the incorporation of 43% recycled and biobased content - the latter coming mainly from recycled cooking oil, avoiding the use of fossil raw materials or palm oil - the range is designed and manufactured in Europe at a zero-waste facility using 100% renewable electricity. Forbo’s wider Sphera vinyl collection was the product of choice for The Rotterdam Business School, specified alongside other flooring finishes within the Grand Café. Designed to offer an inspiring, flexible and sustainable educational environment, the 14,000m2 building houses as many as 10,000 students who are training to become the economists and business experts of the future. Specified in Shimmer Masala and Shimmer Concrete, Sphera Energetic was chosen by designers for the playful combination of colours and the added benefit that the product was manufactured in the Netherlands within a Zero Waste factory. www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/spheraeliteb+ educationdab.co.uk 19 flooring The new sustainable face of vinyl Vinyl flooring has long been a traditional specification choice within our education buildings. However, with the market demanding more sustainable solutions, how does vinyl stack up? Donna Hannaway, Head of Marketing UK and Ireland at Forbo Flooring, explores how modern vinyl can deliver on the need for greener interiors Forbo’s Sphera Elite b+
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