School expands with off-site build

A Coventry secondary school is set to boost student capacity by 10 per cent with the addition of off-site manufactured classrooms in a project designed to minimise disruption and support sustainability.

Yorkshire-based Thurston Group has secured a six-figure contract to design, manufacture and install four new teaching spaces at Foxford School & Community Arts College, funded by Coventry City Council. 

The project, delivered via the NHS SBS Modular Framework, includes classrooms, offices and toilet facilities, accommodating 120 additional students and six new staff members.

The off-site construction, which began in November 2024 and is expected to be completed in two months, will “exemplify the speed, efficiency and reliability of off-site construction” by minimising disruption to the school and reducing its potential environmental impact by removing material waste on site that would usually end up in landfill. 

John Pay, group sales & marketing director of Thurston Group, said: “This project is further evidence of the power of off-site manufacturing, allowing us to deliver durable, modern and cost-effective educational spaces within just three months, we will be able to provide the school with new, high-quality facilities that will greatly benefit the students and staff.” 

Students will also be given the opportunity to tour the site during the installation process, providing an insight into off-site manufacturing and careers in construction.

Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, cabinet member for education and skills at Coventry City Council, added: “We want every child in Coventry to have access to the best education. 

“So, the opening of these new teaching facilities is not just great news for the staff and students at Foxford, it is great news for Coventry, as the young people who study in these classrooms will have the foundations to take our city forward.

“The new spaces will offer students exceptional learning environments to go alongside their exceptional achievements. The project also creates six new highly skilled job opportunities which is brilliant for those looking for their next teaching role.”

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