Morgan Sindall Construction’s Cambridgeshire division has completed the new £36m ($48.15m) Prestley Wood Academy, a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school in Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon, UK.  

The project, commissioned by Cambridgeshire County Council, will be a part of the wider Alconbury Weald Education Campus. 

The school is designed to serve 150 pupils aged four to 19.

It features two sensory rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, and a trampoline room.  

It also has soft play areas and a range of outdoor improvements such as new play and gym equipment, a multiuse games area, and the planting of 120 trees and wildflowers. 

Morgan Sindall Construction Cambridgeshire area director Jamie Shearman said: “Prestley Wood Academy sets a new standard for SEND schools in Cambridgeshire. We are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with a great local supply chain and team, alongside Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust, to deliver this great project. 

“At Morgan Sindall, we believe great learning environments inspire children’s education and progress and feel that Prestley Wood will give the next generation the best start in life.” 

In line with the council's aim to achieve net zero by 2045, the academy has integrated sustainable practices into its construction.  

This includes the installation of 200 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and an energy-efficient air-source heat pump system.  

The school's design also supports an environmentally focused curriculum, offering forest school learning and other nature-based educational activities. 

Prestley Wood Academy will operate independently but maintain connections with the Spring Common Academy Trust in Huntingdon, which is also a part of the Horizons Education Trust.  

The latest completion follows Morgan Sindall's announcement of the practical completion of E-ACT North Birmingham Academy, UK, earlier this month.