Challenge

• Roofing: Water ingress from condition-expired pitched roofs led to escalating repair costs and safeguarding risks.
• Heating: Twin 84kW non-condensing boilers (1993) were inefficient (82% vs 95% modern equivalents), obsolete, and prone to failure. Asbestos pipe flanges, poor controls, and unbalanced radiators meant classrooms regularly failed to reach the statutory 18°C minimum.
• Safeguarding: Perimeter fencing and access controls no longer met statutory guidance, leaving the site vulnerable.

The school needed a robust, value-for-money solution that would address urgent compliance issues, reduce ongoing costs, and provide a safe, efficient learning environment.

Solution

• Roof Replacement: Full strip and recover of defective pitched roof coverings, new insulation, rainwater goods, joinery repairs, and snow guards. Tendered via sealed bid process, achieving best value through aggregated procurement alongside nearby academies.
• Heating Renewal: Removal of asbestos-containing joints; strip-out of plantroom boilers, pumps, controls, and pipework. Installation of two high-efficiency condensing boilers, modern BMS with anti-cycling software, variable-speed pumps, full rebalancing, TRV upgrades, new radiators in under-heated zones, and restoration of underfloor heating.
• Safeguarding Upgrade: Secureline fencing, new access control and automation, with ecology protections and contingency planning for asbestos and ground conditions

Funding was secured through a mix of CIF grants, £22k school revenue contributions, and a £31k CIF loan. Professional fees and contingencies were carefully benchmarked within DfE guidelines.

Client Testimonial

“The quality of work could not be better. We feel we are involved as much as we need to and would like to be, and have never had to worry about any aspect of the project. Communication is never a problem – either email or phone calls.”

Jackie Linter, Sheldwich Primary School