Work begins on £32 million school project

Construction has begun on a £32 million specialist school development in Nottinghamshire, creating additional places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Morgan Sindall Construction has broken ground on Foxwood 2, a new secondary school building at Foxwood Academy in Bramcote, which will accommodate an additional 150 pupils aged 11 to 18.

The development will occupy the former Bramcote Park School site, which was damaged by a major fire in September 2021.

Delivered on behalf of The White Hills Park Trust and Foxwood Academy through the SCAPE Construction framework, the project is scheduled for completion in winter 2027.

Richard Fielding, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Midlands business, said: “Foxwood 2 will be an incredibly important resource for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities from Broxtowe and across Nottinghamshire. 

“With ground officially broken this week, we’re expecting our programme of works to continue until winter 2027, with new pupils starting in January 2028. 

“We are working collaboratively with the amazing team at Foxwood Academy and The White Hills Park Trust to ensure that the building delivers exactly what is needed for their students to have the best start in life.” 

James Macdonald, chief operating officer for The White Hills Park Trust, added: “We are delighted to have broken ground on Foxwood 2.  

“Our design and build team, including Morgan Sindall, Noviun Architects and Gleeds have worked both imaginatively and creatively with us to design a new build that fits in with the local landscape and will deliver a school that meets the needs of local young people with SEND.

“Delivering this purpose-built special school empowers students with disabilities to thrive, learn, and succeed in environments designed just for them.” 

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, added: “At a time of increasing demand for specialist education provision, this milestone marks an important step forward in creating much-needed SEND school places in Nottinghamshire.  

“Through the SCAPE Construction Framework, we provided the client with a compliant procurement route and will continue to work collaboratively with Morgan Sindall to enable accelerated delivery and ensure value for money.”

Designed by Noviun Architects and project managed by Gleeds, the two-storey building will include a dedicated life-skills facility, gym, café, cycle track, soft play area and outdoor exercise equipment.

Sustainability measures will include solar panels and air source heat pumps, with the building designed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in operation.

The project will also provide opportunities for pupils to gain practical construction experience through activities including bricklaying.

At least four apprentices will work on the development, alongside four students undertaking work experience placements with Morgan Sindall.

Jamie Hutchinson, headteacher at Foxwood Academy, added: “Staff, governors and students are delighted that construction has started on the brand-new secondary special school campus at Foxwood Academy.  

“The new building will serve children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities from across the south of Nottinghamshire. 

“The modern, purpose-built facilities will support Foxwood in delivering a rich, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that responds to the broad range of needs within its student community. 

“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for the whole Foxwood community. 

“We are looking forward to seeing the new school take shape and to the opportunities it will provide for children, families and the wider community for many years to come.” 

Councillor Dawn Justice, deputy leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, added: “We are proud of our work with the Trust, which has helped make this expansion project a reality.  

“This is an important milestone which will see the creation of an impressive new building to boost the number of SEND places in Nottinghamshire.   

“Every child deserves the best education in the best possible setting, and to be able to learn the skills to help equip them for adulthood and any challenges they may face.” 

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