The creation of a new sixth form teaching building at Abbeyfield School in Chippenham will begin this week as contractor Morgan Sindall Construction moves onto the site.
Once complete, the new sixth form building will contain four classrooms and teaching spaces, a main hall with auditorium seating and social rooms for students in further education. It will also include a sixth form study room, 20 toilets, of which two will be accessible, a staff room and two changing rooms.
Planning approval was secured for the new school building in March this year.
Following procurement through the Medium Works Framework which Pagabo manage, Morgan Sindall was appointed by Wiltshire Council as the main contractor on the project, which will allow Abbeyfield School to split out its sixth form and secondary education facilities.
Built on a site adjacent to the current Abbeyfield School, a separate road entrance will be created on Stanley Lane. A small bridge over a drainage ditch will be constructed between the sites to allow for easy access between the two for students and teachers.
This current building project represents the first of three phases of work that will increase the student body by as many as 450 pupils once complete.
With work starting on site this week, it is anticipated that the project will take 55 weeks with completion targeted for September 2027.
Alongside the main building, this initial phase of works will also create 46 car parking bays, of which four will be for electric vehicles and two designated for people with disabilities. Futureproofed electrical and mechanical plant rooms will be installed to allow for future phases to progress.
In an effort to minimise the impact of the development, Morgan Sindall will build sustainable drainage systems and water attenuation crates to retain rainwater, slowing the release into waterways and minimising flood risk.
Topsoil is also being retained on the site and will be used for landscaping, and a tree planting programme will ensure the site benefits from natural shade and improvements to biodiversity.
As an additional benefit, Morgan Sindall will work with Wiltshire Council’s Community Learning and Skills Service to create work experience and employment opportunities on this project for local people.
Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s South West business, said:
We’re thrilled to be going onto site with the first phase of Abbeyfield School’s expansion. The new facilities will allow the school to grow and offer a more comprehensive Sixth Form experience to students wanting to go into further education.
We’re already familiar with the site, having spent significant time recently clearing the site and relocating slow worms, grass snakes and orchids. We are looking forward to working closely with existing schools in the local area to provide employer engagement opportunities for pupils.”
Nick Norgrove, Headteacher for Abbeyfield School, said: “This is a truly exciting moment for our school community. The new Sixth Form building and performance hall will provide outstanding facilities that support our students both academically and creatively. This development has been in the pipeline for several years, so it is wonderful to see the build finally starting and to know that our vision is becoming a reality.
“We are particularly excited to be working alongside Morgan Sindall to ensure that our pupils benefit from a range of engagement activities throughout the build. From understanding the different careers available within the construction industry to developing awareness of employment opportunities and workplace skills, this project will enrich our curriculum and provide real-world learning experiences that inspire our young people.
“As the first phase of the wider development programme, the project signals the start of an exciting new chapter for Abbeyfield, creating facilities that will support the ambitions and aspirations of students for many years to come.”
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education at Wiltshire Council, said: “It's good news to see work beginning this week on this important project. This expansion is a vital investment for Chippenham's future, ensuring we can provide high-quality school places where they are needed most. Abbeyfield School is a valued part of the local community, and these improvements will help create a modern, welcoming learning environment that supports young people to achieve their full potential."
David Llewellyn, Construction & Infrastructure Director at Pagabo, said: “Projects like the Abbeyfield School expansion demonstrate the value of efficient and collaborative procurement in delivering vital education infrastructure.
“Through the Medium Works Framework which we manage, Wiltshire Council was able to quickly appoint an experienced contractor in Morgan Sindall, providing the certainty needed to progress this important scheme. Not only will the development create enhanced learning environments for current and future students, but it will also deliver long-term social value through local employment, skills opportunities and sustainable construction practices.”
