The UK's Department for Education (DfE) has selected Kier Group to construct a new building for St John Vianney School in Stretford, England, UK.

As part of the project, Kier will be responsible for building a 4,470m² facility, capable of accommodating 160 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

The added school will serve students from primary school age through to 13 years.

Once constructed, the building will feature primary, as well as secondary SEND classrooms along with ICT classrooms.

It will also have fitness rooms, food technology classrooms, science studios, therapy and medical treatment spaces, design technology workshops, and even hair and beauty training salons.

Aside from this new school, the project includes the construction of a pavilion-style building, which will have a sports hall and hydrotherapy pool.

Working closely with the school, Kier will carry out this work via phased construction and handovers to reduce the impact on regular activities in the existing school area.

Kier Construction North & Scotland managing director Sean Fenner said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with DfE to deliver this new SEND school.

“Our experience of delivering innovative school buildings across the UK will ensure that we provide outstanding facilities that meet the individual needs of students.”

The latest construction project was procured through the DfE’s 2021 construction framework.

Associated work under the project has already commenced on site early in September this year. It is expected to be completed in August 2026. 

Kier is also working with the DfE to make the new school building net-zero carbon in operation during school hours by using renewable energy sources.

St John Vianney School headteacher Aidan Moloney said: “The design concept, which we have developed with Kier, will give the children and young people of St John Vianney outstanding facilities and premises to ensure we can fully deliver our curriculum intent to prepare our pupils fully for their steps into adulthood.”

The DfE, Ambitions Academies Trust, and Kier have also commenced construction at Oak Academy in Bournemouth, England, UK.