The detail

Watling Academy, which sits on an area of 10.88 hectares, brings the “highest quality education and support” to 1,800 students. Equally, the “highest quality” design and construction processes were implemented to make it a reality.

Beginning in February 2019, the £34m development incorporates a broad range of student facilities including laboratories, studios, general teaching spaces and a main hall with retractable seating. A suite of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, notably a sports hall designed to Sport England requirements, are further significant features. The “super block” is a rectangular shape with a structural frame that consists of steelwork and SFS infills. Metal decking has been applied to the upper floors. The elevation treatments incorporate facing brick and glazed bays, while the main entrance and the stair core areas are fully glazed.

Internal services fit-out and compartmentation were also part of our programme, as well as associated external works and landscaping. In order to meet the bespoke demands of the school, we hosted a range of consultative workshops involving teaching staff, end users and designers to ensure individual classrooms were kitted out appropriately with the right mix of interactive whiteboards, overhead projectors and specialist equipment.