Morgan Sindall has been selected by the UK's Department for Education (DfE) for the redevelopment of Carleton High School in Pontefract, Wakefield, on behalf of Pontefract Academies Trust.
The project is being funded by the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The construction company celebrated the start of the project with a ground-breaking ceremony attended by key stakeholders.
Pontefract Academies Trust CEO Julian Appleyard said: “As we break ground on the redevelopment of Carleton High School, Pontefract Academies Trust is delighted to partner with Morgan Sindall.
“This project signifies our dedication to providing an exceptional educational environment for our students. With this state-of-the-art facility, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future, one where excellence in education is paramount.”
Morgan Sindall will manage part of the demolition and the construction of a new three-storey teaching building, including two external canopies and refurbishment of the site's existing sports hall.
The £19m ($24.10m) initiative will also involve reconfiguring the school's external sports facilities and installing a new multi-use games area.
Sindall will also fit photovoltaic panels and execute associated landscaping.
The new building will feature classrooms, science labs, technology spaces, and high-specification computing suites.
The redevelopment aligns with the DfE's technical specifications and standards, ensuring that the new facilities will be 'Net Zero Carbon in Operation' and climate change resilient.
Completion of this project is expected by early 2026. The new building will be developed on the school's existing tennis courts to minimise disruption.
Throughout the redevelopment, Sindall will implement its Intelligent Solutions approach, integrating digital and platform design with modern construction methods and carbon reduction tools.
Sindall Construction project manager Nick Theos said: “As a local business, we understand how much this development is required and the important role it will play for Pontefract and Wakefield. We are excited to get started and engage with the local community to ensure that this school supports them for many generations to come.”
Earlier this month, Innovate UK granted approximately £1m to a consortium led by Sindall Construction to further the development of Sindall’s CarboniCa tool.
