Philip Southcote School

The Challenge

Operating Within a Live School Environment – Delivering major construction works within an active SEN school presented significant logistical and safety challenges. Maintaining uninterrupted educational activities while managing construction traffic, deliveries, site access, noise, and safety required exceptional planning, clear communication, and robust site controls. Protecting vulnerable learners remained a priority throughout the construction programme.

Design and Programme Complexity – The project scope changed significantly when the hydrotherapy pool was introduced after construction of the teaching block had already begun. This required programme re-sequencing, redesign of construction logistics, and careful integration of a new Design and Build package alongside ongoing works. The team needed to take the hydrotherapy facility from concept design through detailed design, procurement, construction, and commissioning without impacting the completion commitments for the wider project.

Stakeholder Management – The site was surrounded by several key stakeholders, including local residents, a neighbouring fire station, and a football club. Construction activities had the potential to affect access arrangements, traffic movements, and day-to-day operations. Effective engagement and transparent communication were therefore critical to maintaining positive relationships and minimising disruption.

The Solution

Collaborative Delivery Approach – Morgan Sindall adopted a collaborative and transparent working relationship with Surrey County Council, the design team, school representatives, and specialist stakeholders. Regular workshops, open communication, and decision-making enabled challenges to be addressed early, ensuring project momentum was maintained throughout delivery.

Strategic Site Logistics and Construction Planning – Detailed site logistics planning was implemented to manage the simultaneous construction of both facilities within a constrained operational school environment. Careful coordination of deliveries, contractor movements, and access routes ensured works progressed safely and efficiently while minimising disruption to school activities and neighbouring organisations.

Robust Quality Management – Quality assurance was embedded throughout the project through close supervision by the Morgan Sindall site team, supported by the client’s Clerk of Works. Regular inspections, collaborative reviews, and proactive issue resolution ensured that the specialist educational and therapeutic requirements of the facilities were delivered to the highest standards.

Proactive Community and Environmental Initiatives – Regular sessions were held with the school and external stakeholders, helping to build trust and address concerns. Environmentally, the project achieved 100% diversion of waste from landfill and 100% responsibly sourced timber. The team also retained and reused stripped topsoil on site, eliminating the need for imported materials and reducing project carbon emissions by 12.7 tonnes of CO₂.

The Results

The project was delivered successfully, with the new teaching block handed over and operational in accordance with the original contract completion date. The hydrotherapy pool was also completed and brought into use in line with the agreed programme, despite being introduced after construction had commenced. Performance outcomes demonstrated the success of the collaborative approach with a score 10/10.

The project also delivered significant social value, including engagement with 29 SMEs, the creation of opportunities for 6 apprentices and new entrants, 57 locally employed workers, and 168 weeks of training delivered. Educational outreach activities engaged over 380 students, while a pioneering work experience programme provided valuable insight into careers in construction for local pupils. The scheme generated more than £2.3 million of added social value, reinforcing its long-term community impact.

Most importantly, the completed facilities now provide high-quality learning and therapeutic environments that support the needs of pupils and staff, leaving a legacy for Philip Southcote School and the wider community.

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Legacy

29 SME’s used on the project

6 new entrants, a total of 57 locally employed employees, equivalent to 5.79FTE

168 training weeks completed during project delivery

Schools engagement: 9 students completed a work experience placement, MSC attended 4 CIAG events interacting with 380 students.

£650 donations to charity, in addition the site team contributed 5 (1 per MSC staff member) hampers towards our Christmas Hamper drive, which we donated to local Runnymede Foodbank

£1.79 per £1 – 24.95% social value created

We collaborated with both Philip Southcote School and Fordway AP to launch a pilot work experience programme, giving 16 students the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines across the construction industry. Throughout the week, students engaged in site tours, met professionals from various roles, and took part in open, honest conversations about careers in the field. The programme concluded with student teams presenting their ideas on how to improve sustainability in the build. Feedback from both students and teachers highlighted the positive impact and inspiration the experience delivered.

Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced

Storage and reuse of stripped top soil at the start of the project, did not require any imported top soil to reinstate the field area, reducing the carbon of the project by 12.7 tonnes.

Aftercare

Good communication between MSC/ Client team/ End user regards post completion works.

Continuation of delivery into aftercare – Chris Horsley is dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact for aftercare supported by Steve Sear

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times

Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 44/45

Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Philip Southcote School

Client

Surrey County Council

Contractor

Value

£9.34m

Completion Date

17th March 2025

The Challenge

The Solution

The Results

Apprentices

SME Spend

Added Value

Client Satisfaction