Bouygues UK has been awarded the contract to construct a new secondary school in Wantage, Oxfordshire, marking a significant development in the region’s educational infrastructure.
- The new St John’s Academy will be the first all-through school in the area, accommodating approximately 600 students from nursery to Year 11.
- Construction will feature sustainable building techniques, including a cross-laminated timber frame, a green roof with solar panels, and sustainable drainage systems.
- The construction aims to utilise local resources, with promises to source labour and materials locally.
- This project is part of the larger Wellington Gate development, a substantial housing initiative on the old Grove airfield by Persimmon.
Bouygues UK has been appointed as the lead contractor for the construction of St John’s Academy, a pioneering educational facility in Wantage, Oxfordshire. This £28.2 million project is spearheaded by the Vale Academy Trust and represents a crucial addition to the local educational landscape.
St John’s Academy is set to become the area’s first all-through school, effectively serving the educational needs of students from nursery through to Year 11. This forward-thinking approach is designed to streamline educational progression for approximately 600 pupils, providing a continuous and cohesive learning experience.
The architectural design of St John’s Academy emphasises sustainability and innovation. Utilising a cross-laminated timber frame, the building will incorporate renewable energy solutions such as a green roof equipped with solar panels. Additionally, both natural and synthetic sports fields will benefit from advanced drainage systems, including attenuation, swales, and porous parking areas, underscoring the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
In line with modern construction best practices, Bouygues UK has pledged to source both labour and materials locally. This not only supports the local economy but also aligns with initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation of building materials and workforce.
The school forms a part of the Wellington Gate development, a major housing project by Persimmon on the former Grove airfield, aiming to establish 2,500 new homes. The integration of St John’s Academy within this development highlights a commitment to creating a balanced community environment that prioritises educational facilities alongside residential expansion.
The construction of St John’s Academy by Bouygues UK marks a forward-thinking investment in the future of local education and community development.
