Thurston Group top of class with school work

A construction firm has secured a six-figure education contract.

Wakefield-headquartered Thurston Group is designing, making and installing four new teaching spaces at Foxford School & Community Arts College, funded by Coventry City Council. 

Officials say it will boost student capacity by ten per cent.

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, Thurston Group group sales and marketing director, 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 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. 

Thurston Group has further bases in Hull and Catfoss, East Yorkshire.

“The opening of these new teaching facilities is not just great news for 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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