Kier appointed by DfE to deliver new SEND school

Kier has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to construct a new building for St John Vianney RC SEND school in Stretford.

The scheme will include a 4,470m2 new build facility that will accommodate 160 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The school will cater for pupils from primary school age through to year 13.

The new building will include both primary and secondary SEND classrooms, information and communication technology (ICT) classrooms, design technology workshops, food technology classrooms, science studios, hair and beauty training salons and fitness rooms. There will also be medical treatment rooms, therapy rooms, quiet calming spaces and sensory rooms. In addition to the new main building the scheme also includes a ‘pavilion’ building with a sports hall and hydrotherapy pool.

As the existing school will be operational whilst the new one is being built, the project will be completed through phased construction and phased handovers. Kier will work closely with the school throughout the build to provide regular updates and ensure a smooth construction process.

Kier is working with the Department for Education to achieve an aim of making the new school block net zero carbon in operation during core school hours. This target will be met in part through the use of renewable energy sources, including substantial areas of photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps. Kier will continue to work with the school and the DfE to assess the building's performance after it's completed, to ensure that this target is being met.

"We are proud to be working in partnership with the Department for Education to deliver this fantastic new SEND school,” said Sean Fenner, managing director for Kier Construction North & Scotland. “Our experience of delivering innovative school buildings across the UK will ensure that we provide outstanding facilities that meet the individual needs of students."

The project, which was procured through the Department for Education’s new CF21 framework, started on site in September 2023 and is due to complete in August 2026.