Stepnell has successfully completed major reinstatement and refurbishment works at Aylesford School in Warwickshire, restoring teaching operations to permanent, modernised classrooms and delivering a future-ready learning environment for students and staff.
Procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework and brought on board during the early stages of the project, Stepnell worked closely with Aylesford School, the Department for Education, the design team and supply chain partners to transform existing facilities into safe, modern teaching spaces that support learning and development for years to come.
The project included extensive refurbishment works, featuring structural steel installations, joinery, ceiling and flooring repairs, as well as mechanical and electrical upgrades. Enhanced cabling and improved IT infrastructure were also introduced, alongside the creation of modern science laboratories, dedicated IT spaces and flexible learning environments designed to encourage 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.’’
Careful planning and coordination were essential throughout the programme to ensure the school remained operational and disruption was kept to a minimum. A sectional handover strategy allowed key teaching spaces to be brought back into use ahead of the project’s final completion.
In addition to the construction works, Stepnell delivered a comprehensive social value programme aimed at creating long-term benefits for the local community and regional economy.
More than 42 hours of educational and community engagement activities were delivered during the project, giving students valuable employability experience through mock interviews. A health and safety poster competition also saw winning student designs displayed on site hoardings.
Stepnell further contributed 96 volunteering hours and delivered 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 during the contract.
Anna Orme, director of operations at Aylesford School, added: “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.”
The completion of the scheme marks a significant milestone for Aylesford School, providing students and staff with modern, adaptable facilities that will support teaching and learning well into the future.
[Pictures Copyrighted to Beth Walsh Photography- www.bethwalsh.co.uk]