Work begins on £24 million school expansion

Construction work has begun on a £24 million secondary school expansion in Warwickshire, creating 300 additional pupil places to meet growing demand.

National contractor Willmott Dixon is delivering the project at Avon Valley School & Performing Arts College in Rugby on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

Scheduled for completion in April 2028, the development will increase the school’s capacity from 1100 to 1400 pupils, alongside a new 20-place specialist provision for children with communication and interaction needs.

The scheme includes a substantial extension to the existing school, a new three-storey teaching block, additional curriculum space and a four-court sports hall, together with associated infrastructure improvements.

The expansion follows increasing demand for year 7 places, partly driven by new housing development in the surrounding area.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The expansion of Avon Valley School represents a significant investment from Warwickshire County Council to address the growing demand for secondary school places, and we’ve worked collaboratively with the council to design a project that can deliver just that.  

“From the early concept stages all the way through to delivery and handover, we’re focused on creating a secondary school that enhances each pupil’s experience and the staff’s ability to provide high-quality education. 

“Each phase of development has also been carefully considered to ensure the school can operate safely with minimal disruption throughout construction.” 

Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the project builds on Willmott Dixon’s longstanding involvement in regional education and infrastructure schemes.

The contractor has delivered more than £250 million of projects through the framework since 2011, including three schools in Sandwell that created 990 additional pupil places.

Elsewhere in the Midlands, Willmott Dixon is delivering the £11.8 million Garendon Primary School in Loughborough and a £38 million transformation of Outwood Academy Kirkby in Nottinghamshire.

Councillor Wayne Briggs, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for children and families, education and SEND, added: “Our local communities are growing, and it is vital for us as a council to support and facilitate that growth. 

“Working collaboratively with partners such as Willmott Dixon is a key part of getting that delivery right. 

“This expansion is a huge step in the right direction for the educational offering in Warwickshire, and we’re looking forward to unveiling the new facilities and seeing them in action.” 

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