The final modular units have been craned into position on site at Cambourne Village College as part of Kier Construction’s major project to build the first new secondary school in Cambridgeshire for 30 years.

The scheme, for Cambridgeshire County Council, is currently the only one in the UK to be using a combination of cross-laminated timber technology and off-site construction methods.

It is also the first application of off-site construction specialist Yorkon’s revolutionary new off-site building system, which Kier is using for the school’s three two-storey curriculum wings.


The new Yorkon system has reduced the number of steel-framed modules to just 60, which were craned into position in only 14 days. This solution is more sustainable because it reduces the number of vehicle movements and work on site, and there will be fewer internal columns to facilitate space planning and any future reconfiguration required to meet changing local needs.

Each 18m-long module was installed with a concrete floor already in place, further reducing work on site and providing a robust finish and good acoustic performance for a demanding secondary school environment.

Located in the village of Cambourne and due to open later this year, Cambourne Village College will accommodate 750 pupils and help meet the growing demand for secondary school places in the area. Designed by Frank Shaw Associates, the new school will have a central mall with three teaching wings radiating from it, and a series of sheltered courtyards to encourage outdoor learning. The ends of the curriculum blocks will feature full-height stair towers and a balcony at first-floor level, which will create an additional outdoor teaching space.

(CD/GK)