Category: Education
Stepnell has successfully completed a major reinstatement and refurbishment works at Aylesford school, in Warwickshire, fully restoring its teaching operations in permanent and modernised classrooms.
Procured through Procure Partnerships Framework and engaged at the early stages of the project, Stepnell in collaboration with the school, Department for Education, design team and supply chain have modernised the existing facilities to create a safe and future-proofed environment that supports teaching, learning and development.
Stepnell commenced on the project with refurbishment works including structural steel installations and joinery, ceiling and floors repairs, as well as M&E upgrades including upgraded cabling and enhanced IT infrastructure. The creation of modern science laboratories, IT spaces and flexible learning areas will also provide students and staff with adaptable environments that support collaboration and innovation.
Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:
“From the outset, this project has gone far beyond reinstating an existing unused asset to deliver a safe, modern and inspiring environment for the pupils and teachers, delivering modernised teaching facilities equipped to meet the evolving needs of the school community for years to come.
Tackling the concealed building condition issues, this complex project highlights our expertise in delivering specialist and practical solutions within a live teaching environment.’’
Strategic phasing and tight coordination were critical to maintaining operational continuity and minimise disruption to the school community throughout the programme, with sectional handover of critical teaching space allowing areas to be reinstated into use ahead of final completion.
Throughout the project, Stepnell delivered a comprehensive programme of social value, with the initiative generating lasting benefits beyond the construction works, helping to strengthen the regional economy and create local opportunities.
More than 42 hours of educational and community engagement activities were delivered throughout the project, providing students with valuable employability insights through mock interviews, while a health and safety poster competition saw the winning designs displayed across the site hoardings.
Additionally, Stepnell has delivered 96 volunteering hours and a range of employment and skills initiatives, including hosting employment fairs, facilitating work experience placements and supporting the creation and retention of four full-time equivalent roles throughout the contract.
Anna Orme, director of operations at Aylesford School, said:
“Stepnell has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of the purpose behind this project -never losing sight of the fundamental objective to restore the building into a safe, modern and high-quality teaching environment for our students.
Throughout what has been a highly complex and evolving programme, Stepnell has remained focused on delivering spaces that support learning, wellbeing and the long-term needs of the school community. The quality of the reinstated areas reflects this commitment, with thoughtfully delivered, high-specification environments that will benefit both students and staff.
Equally important has been Stepnell’s collaborative and supportive approach. Stepnell has worked in genuine partnership with the school, carefully navigating the challenges of maintaining day-to-day operations alongside construction activity, and always showing flexibility, professionalism and a willingness to help. Its recognition of the wider impact on our community, alongside its efforts to add social value and engage positively with students and stakeholders, has made a significant difference.
We are extremely proud of what has been achieved together and confident that we have had the right partner to deliver such an important project.”
