Reinstatement and refurbishment for continued education

CLIENT: Aylesford School
SECTOR: Education
PROCUREMENT: Procure Partnerships Framework

Overview

Stepnell is delivering a major reinstatement and refurbishment project at Aylesford School following extensive asbestos removal works resulting in structural damage. The programme has significantly evolved since mobilisation in August 2024 to address unanticipated deterioration and enhance the school’s facilities. Through careful planning and collaboration with the school leadership and the Department for Education, Stepnell has achieved a sectional handover of critical teaching spaces ahead of full project completion.

This complex live-site project combines reinstatement of existing buildings with modernisation of key learning environments to create safe, inspiring, and future-ready spaces for students and staff.

Scope of Works

The project scope incorporates:

• Reinstatement of classrooms and specialist teaching spaces following asbestos removal and extensive repairs.
• Structural and internal refurbishment including fire barriers, structural steelwork, ceiling and floor works, and dry lining.
• M&E upgrades including upgraded cabling, new fire alarm and lighting systems, enhanced IT infrastructure, CCTV and access control.
• Creation of modern science laboratories, IT spaces and flexible learning areas with enhanced finishes and technology.
• Phased handovers aligned with school operations to facilitate early reoccupation where possible.

Project Highlights

Sectional Completion

In December 2025, Stepnell successfully delivered Section 1 & 2, enabling handover of key learning and support areas for phased reoccupation. These include:

• 17 classrooms
• 6 science labs and prep room
• 2 IT suites
• Flexible learning area
• Reception, main office and student services
• Site office
• Staff and student toilets (including accessible facilities)
• Facilities storage spaces

Early handovers allow science departments, classrooms and other facilities to be reinstated into use ahead of final completion in summer 2026.

Design & Delivery Approach

Stepnell’s approach has been shaped by tight coordination with the school to deliver works around live operations, including:

• Strategic phasing of construction to minimise disruption to school routines.
• Locating site facilities off the main campus and maintaining clear on-site logistics.
• Proactive identification and response to concealed building condition issues, expanding the scope in collaboration with the Department for Education to maintain programme continuity.
• Regular monitoring and safety management to ensure compliance with education sector requirements.

Community & Social Value

Stepnell’s approach at Aylesford School goes beyond construction delivery, placing long-term social value and skills development at the heart of the project.

Working closely with the school community, Stepnell has delivered pupil engagement initiatives including health and safety awareness activities, with student-designed materials displayed on site to promote safe working practices and ownership of the project.

The project is actively supporting the development of the future construction workforce, providing structured placements for two apprentices and four T-Level students. These opportunities offer valuable, hands-on experience within a live education refurbishment environment, helping to build practical skills, industry knowledge and clear career pathways in construction.

Stepnell has also supported individuals seeking to return to employment through mock interviews and careers guidance, helping to improve confidence, employability and long-term prospects.

Alongside the main works, 12 Stepnell volunteers dedicated two days to revitalising the school’s unused eco garden, transforming it into a safe, welcoming outdoor space. The refreshed garden includes repaired seating, new planters, bug hotels and extensive landscaping, and has been designed specifically to support SEND students by providing a calming environment for learning and wellbeing.

Social value delivery is further strengthened through a commitment to local procurement, with labour and materials sourced within a 30-mile radius, including the employment of a local trainee site manager. The project is currently achieving a 54% Social Value Return on Investment (SVROI), demonstrating measurable and lasting benefits for the school and wider community.

Sustainability & Legacy

The reinstatement works reinforce Stepnell’s commitment to sustainability, health, and safety. Upgrades to M&E infrastructure significantly improve building energy performance and connectivity. Improvements to internal environments ensure enhanced learning conditions that will benefit the school community for years to come.

Client Testimonial

“Stepnell has worked collaboratively with the school throughout what has been an incredibly complex and disruptive programme. Their commitment to getting pupils and staff back into high-quality teaching spaces at the earliest opportunity has been clear at every stage.”

– Anna Orme, Director of Operations, Aylesford School