News
£12 million eco-extension completes at Bedford Academy
21 Aug 2025
Sean Conneely
Director
Pick Everard has successfully delivered the major expansion project at Bedford Academy, supporting Bedford Borough Council’s ambitious plans to increase pupil capacity at one of the town’s largest secondary schools.
Working as part of Perfect Circle and procured through the SCAPE Consultancy Framework, Pick Everard provided project management, quantity surveying, NEC supervision, and health and safety services for the 60-week build programme, which has now reached completion.
The new £12 million teaching block has provided 16 additional classrooms, changing rooms, a dining area, and a community café. The expansion supports the school's phased growth strategy, enabling it to accommodate 300 additional pupils and reach a total capacity of 1,800 pupils by 2029.
Designed by GSS Architecture and built by contractor Ashe Construction, the building meets Net Zero Carbon in Operation standards and has become an exemplary project.
The building, which was fully funded by Bedford Borough Council, operates at high efficiency levels and U-values. A special product to coat the external walls was used to provide the airtightness required for Net Zero Carbon in Operation standards.
To create a comfortable environment in classrooms, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery units has been installed in ceiling voids, with the system designed to create the ideal environment for learning.
Powered by photovoltaic panels installed on the roof, the building will use as much renewable energy as possible, and air source heat pumps will generate the energy for heating.
“Working on Bedford Academy School has been a truly collaborative experience from start to finish. The school engaged at every stage of the project, offering valuable input and showing a real commitment to achieving the best outcome for their students.
Our client, Bedford Borough Council, was highly supportive, ensuring clear communication and alignment of objectives throughout. Pick Everard led the project, delivered early, on budget and to an exceptional standard by working closely with Ashe Construction. The level of cooperation across the entire project team made it possible to overcome a number of challenges quickly and deliver a high-quality result that we can all be incredibly proud of.”
— Sean Conneely. director of project management at Pick Everard
“We are so excited to be able to move into our new sustainable teaching block. As the school continues to grow in pupil numbers we will increasingly benefit from the fantastic spaces, each designed with the children’s best interests at heart.
It’s been a wonderful experience seeing the new block take shape and seeing the whole school community being involved. It’s a building we can all be truly proud of.”
— Chris Deller, head teacher, at Bedford Academy
"This new teaching block is a fantastic investment in the future of young people in Bedford Borough. Not only does it provide high-quality classrooms and facilities to support the school’s growth, but it has been delivered to the highest sustainability standards.
— Cllr Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services
I’m delighted that the project has also created opportunities for pupils to learn about careers in construction and for the wider community to benefit from new spaces. This extension shows what can be achieved through strong partnership working and will make a real difference for generations of students to come."
“We’re extremely proud of this project which has seen several ground-breaking initiatives take place showing that construction projects can be a force for good. Whether in terms of sustainability, diversity, innovation or community engagement, we have surpassed our targets at Bedford Academy, and we really look forward to seeing the children flourish in their new school building.”
— Andrew Morris, Ashe’s business development director
The children will benefit from four new changing rooms which will accommodate 180 students, further enhancing the school’s sports provision, along with referee changing rooms. A silent study area and office spaces for staff have also been included along with 300 student lockers.
Externally, 20 new car parking spaces, disabled parking and four electric vehicle spaces have been created. The school will also add 77 new cycle spaces to encourage sustainable travel to school.
Education
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