Green Ridge Academy School

Client
Buckinghamshire Council
Contractor
Value
£4.0m
Completion Date
September 2024

The Challenge

Live School Planning – One of the biggest challenges on site was progression of works being carried out based within a live school and having to accommodate being restricted and having less space to manoeuvre in certain areas that required attention to the most important areas. It became adherent that communication from all parties associated with the project was critical throughout the term to ensure there were safety measures in place to protect members of the public/staff and students during the progression of the project, whilst working towards handing over the building to projected contract end date.

E-Torch – The timber frame extension to the existing school, part of the school’s program education authority was chosen by Morgan Sindall as a pilot project for the introduction of a new ‘flame free technology’ using the ‘E-torch Max’, that works in conjunction with Bauders self-adhesive flat roofing system. As with any timber frame building the risk of fire is of paramount concern, and this combining the need to drive down emissions the combination of the Bauder Air Tech Sa system and Imperial

Thermal’s hot air technology is the ideal solution. With the risk of fire, all but eliminated the speed of the E-torch Max in drying and the lap fusing processes, the installation proceeded at a competitive pace. The E-torch was effective in reducing fire risk, but it a slower application process compared to LPG, which further made it challenging to achieve contract programme milestones with a more sustainably efficient system but at a slower pace.

The Solution

Live School Planning – Sequencing different work packages to begin during different timescales played an important factor to maintain progression to the job and was proven by prioritising the main extension build works, as works that were located in an existing areas of the school would continue to operate during school term. Prior to the summer holidays, we conducted a consultation with all subcontractors that had works arranged to be able to turn the classroom into 2 office spaces and sensory room in a 6-week programme. This strategy was proven beneficial, as we were able to successfully complete the refurbishment works within the programme time for the end-user to occupy prior to their return from the summer break.

E-torch System – The solution was to use the E-torch as a lap system with a sufficient number of operatives being able to lap the felt as the works progressed. An additional machine was supplied to the roofing contractor to assist in speeding the process to complete the roof within a 4-week period. The use of the E-torch system proved to be a success as an innovation point was awarded to Morgan Sindall By the ‘Considerate Constructors Scheme’ for the removal of LPG gas and the risks related to the use during flat roofing works.

The Results

Innovative Educational Design: Delivered a £4.0m extension comprising a modern Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) building with nine new classrooms, high-performance curtain walling, timber and brick external finishes, and integrated Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems to provide an energy-efficient, healthy learning environment.

Designed for a Growing Community: The expansion was carefully planned to support increasing pupil demand within the rapidly developing Berryfields area while enhancing educational facilities and long-term operational efficiency.

Award-Winning Innovation: The project acted as a pilot scheme for the introduction of the E-Torch Max flame-free roofing system, eliminating the need for LPG gas during roofing installation and significantly reducing fire risk on a timber-framed building. This innovative approach received an Innovation Award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).

Excellence in Construction Standards: Achieved a perfect CCS score of 45/45, demonstrating outstanding performance in site management, safety, environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Operational Achievement: Successfully delivered and handed over the facility in September 2024, despite the challenges of working within a live school environment and completing significant refurbishment works during a constrained six-week summer holiday period.

Outstanding Safety Performance: Achieved zero RIDDOR incidents throughout construction while maintaining uninterrupted school operations.

Successfully maintained safe and effective operations within a live school environment through careful planning, phased delivery and close stakeholder engagement, enabling uninterrupted educational activities throughout construction.

Achieved a high level of end-user satisfaction, recording a client satisfaction score of 9/10, with positive feedback on project delivery, quality and collaboration.

Established long-term project legacy through comprehensive aftercare arrangements, including soft landings support, dedicated client contacts and a responsive defects management portal.

Number of Apprentices

60%

SME Spend

£20k

Added Value

9/10

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

Green Ridge Primary Academy has demonstrated strong community support since opening, with parent feedback highlighting caring staff, high-quality facilities, and a nurturing learning environment. Ofsted Parent View responses show that over 90% of parents report that their children are happy, safe and making good progress at the school, while Buckinghamshire Council’s decision to invest over £5m in expansion reflects confidence in the academy’s role within the rapidly growing Berryfields community.

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Contractor Performance | Commitments

Legacy

9no of SMEs

9no of businesses within a 30-mile radius, 14no jobs created within 30-mile radius, 3.5 trainee weeks

Schools’ engagement: 180no students for site visit & 60no students for book reading

£8k donations to charity, 100+ volunteer hours to local school talks and careers fairs

£950k spent on local supply chain LM3, 67.2% social value created

Sustainability

99% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced

Any project specific initiatives / stats

Safe

Scored 10/10 for the H&S procedures on site. Excellent management of supply chain RAMS

Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Aftercare

Soft landings for handover

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact, On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times