Bowmer & Kirkland (B+K) has completed work on the Bolder Academy 13 weeks ahead of schedule.

Awarded through the Department for Education's National Framework, Bolder Academy is a non-denominational, mixed secondary school in the London Borough of Hounslow.

The project involved the construction of a four-storey secondary school with a separate sports hall, incorporating dance and drama studios. The company also had to make extensive infrastructure upgrades to the local roads and pedestrian routes; additionally it created new external grassed pitches – all finished to Sports England standards, a MUGA pitch, staff car parking, cycle storage, external classroom, courtyard open space and general circulation spaces.


The school was built using B+K's Configure system which offers a tried and tested approach to the design and delivery of school projects, utilising BIM libraries, design information, supply chain management, modular options and off-site construction. The Configure system meets the specification requirements required by the Department for Education alongside offering value for money and assurances in delivery, established through the successful delivery of more than 50 schools with this system.

Specific innovations at Bolder Academy achieved 'Excellent' BREEAM ratings. Environmental and sustainability considerations were factored into the design and build programme including an attentuation tank, large swales and water permeable paving to aid in future water run-off. Solar panels and a full BMS have been installed to aid energy efficiency.

B+K has been a major contractor for the DfE since the launch of the Priority Building Schools for the Future Programme in 2012. See how Bolder Academy was built here: