As its name suggests, the new Kings Science Academy will specialise in science. It is run independently of local authority control by the Kings Free Schools and Academies Trust and supported by Hartley Group chairman Alan Lewis. It will hold about 800 pupils.
BAM says that it will deliver “exceptional value for money” by using elements of the existing industrial site infrastructure.
Work is due to start on site in March, with the students relocating from their current location in September 2012 into the first phase of the new building. The whole development should be completed in spring 2013.
BAM Construct director Steve Wheller said that the school design provided a value for money solution, with the budget focussed on educational benefits rather than structural solutions. ‘We have worked closely with the principal, Sajid Hussain, to come up with a solution which maximises the use of the existing structures resulting in less money and time being spent in the ground and allowing the redirection of funds on the areas which will make a difference to teaching and learning, such as efficient use of space, and effective integration of IT.’
The building is designed to be easy to maintain and, with natural light and ventilation, low running costs.
BAM was selected for the job after a rapid procurement process through the Partnerships for Schools academies framework. It follows BAM’s recent success elsewhere with Academy wins for Kearsley Academy in Bolton, Aylesbury Vale Academy in Bucks, and Hackney UTC in London.
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