The Gloucester Academy Trust has announced Kier as the preferred bidder for the new £14.9 million Gloucester Academy and has released the first visuals for the exciting new building.

The striking new building will cater for up to 1,250 pupils and is designed to reflect the Academy’s specialisms of digital technology & computing and vocational education. The bespoke design features a two-storey 950sq m, open, heart space at its centre, a focal point for the school which creates a light and airy environment to promote social interaction and increase motivation.

Radiating from the central heart space on the ground floor, are the ‘School of Transition’ designed to cater for the specific needs of pupils in Years 7 and 8, and the ‘World of Work’ which will comprise the design technology and science departments. At first floor level an art barn and associated outdoor terrace look out to the hills, helping students to draw inspiration from the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside.

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Pupils join the School of Transition in Years 7 and 8 and then move into the School of Achievement in Years 9 to 11, following a range of courses to inspire and motivate them to reach their full potential. The new building will be equipped with cutting edge digital technology and the curriculum will reflect the Academy’s vocational specialism.

The Academy aims to ensure all pupils gain the qualifications, skills and attitudes to enable them to win a place in further education and employment. A range of post-16 courses will be offered in the new sixth form, working with Gloucestershire College.

Sustainability will be a key feature of the development, and a dynamic landscape scheme is included providing improved outdoor sporting facilities. These will be complemented by a separate sports complex with sports hall, fitness suite, drama studio, changing rooms and classrooms – facilities that will also be open for wider community use.

Construction work will be carried out by Cheltenham-based Kier Construction and is scheduled to begin in July. Commenting on being awarded the scheme, Kier Construction regional managing director, Robin Butler, said: "Winning the Gloucester Academy project is fantastic news for the local community of which we are very a much part. We have been working with community groups, and in particular schools in Gloucestershire for many years, and this gives us an excellent opportunity to work with John Reilly and other stakeholders to provide real local educational and employment benefits."

(CD/GK)