Category: Education

Stepnell has completed the construction of a new single-storey Key Stage 2 classroom block at Norbriggs Primary School in Woodthorpe, Chesterfield, creating modern, purpose-built learning spaces for local children.

Completed in summer 2026, the £2.7 million project has also delivered an expanded playground, enhanced boundary fencing, additional staff parking and extensive landscaping works.

The new facility has been officially named The Falconer Building, in memory of Father Ian Falconer, a dedicated school governor who cared deeply about Norbriggs Primary School and its pupils. The name will serve as a lasting tribute to his contribution to the school community.

Creating a better learning environment

The new block provides four modern classrooms, a dedicated group room and new toilet facilities, creating an enhanced learning environment for both pupils and staff. Designed to complement the existing school, the flexible spaces support teaching and learning while retaining valuable outdoor space for pupils.

Early works included extending the playground into the school field and forming eight additional parking spaces to support the new facility. Modern construction methods and enhanced building performance standards have also been incorporated to help reduce energy use.

Celebrating the official opening

Stepnell joined pupils, staff, families and local representatives for the official opening ceremony, which included a welcome from the Headteacher. Staveley representative Elaine Tidd and Derbyshire County Council’s Anthony Potter were among those in attendance, before parents were invited to tour the new facilities.

The event celebrated the completion of the project, delivered for Derbyshire County Council and providing four new Key Stage 2 classrooms, a group room, new toilets and additional staff parking. The development creates flexible, modern learning spaces while retaining valuable outdoor space and helping to reduce energy use.

Russell Short, Principal Architectural Designer at Concertus, said:
“Working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Stepnell, we are proud to have played a key role in delivering this important investment for the local community. The completed development will provide lasting benefits for current and future generations of pupils, for many years to come.”

Supporting growing demand

Norbriggs Primary School is one of two schools benefiting from a £4.6 million investment by Derbyshire County Council, alongside Eureka Primary School in Swadlincote. The projects respond to growing demand for school places and help ensure children can access high-quality learning environments close to home.

The Norbriggs expansion was funded through developer contributions secured by Derbyshire County Council and was carefully planned around the needs of the school and its pupils.

Councillor Simon Mabbott, Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, said:
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and having access to a great local school is a vital part of that. These new classrooms will benefit hundreds of children over the coming years, providing modern, welcoming spaces where pupils can learn, develop confidence and reach their full potential.”

Overcoming complex site challenges

The building was constructed to the rear of the main school, with the site sharing the school’s only access route. Stepnell carefully planned and coordinated all deliveries and site activities to minimise disruption to pupils, staff and visitors throughout the project.

Ground conditions close to former mines required a complex piling solution, with gas monitoring in place throughout the works. The team also maintained clear communication with local residents to keep them informed about the construction programme.

Surface water drainage presented a further challenge. Works in the nearby school field—which is shared with the public and forms a designated overland flow route that floods during heavy rainfall—included installing an attenuation tank and pump chamber, as well as constructing a headwall to discharge surface water from the new block into the watercourse.

Recognition for quality and community

The project achieved a full score of 45/45 in the Considerate Constructors Scheme and was awarded Bronze at the CCS awards in Manchester, recognising the site team’s commitment to high standards of presentation, community engagement and considerate construction.

Stepnell also delivered a wide range of social value initiatives alongside the build:

• The Stepnell team delivered assemblies and lessons with Norbriggs pupils, including site safety sessions and Step into Construction workshops for children in Years 3 to 6.
• T Level students from Chesterfield College spent time on site with Stepnell engineers, learning about and assisting with foundation setting-out.
• The team prioritised the use of local labour and suppliers wherever possible, supporting employment and businesses in the surrounding area.

A lasting legacy

The headteacher praised Stepnell’s delivery of the project, saying:
“Stepnell have done a fantastic job delivering our new KS2 classroom block at Norbriggs Primary School. The quality of their work, professionalism and support throughout the project have helped us create a fantastic learning environment for our children.

We have also been incredibly grateful for their generosity in donating resources and materials, which we have been able to use to improve other areas of our school, such as a new library, a new inclusion room, and a new outside canopy for Nursery. We would recommend Stepnell to other schools looking for a reliable, professional and supportive building company.”

The Falconer Building represents more than additional classroom capacity: it provides a modern environment for hundreds of current and future pupils, while permanently honouring Father Ian Falconer’s commitment to the school and its community.