Morgan Sindall Construction has finished work on a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion project at Ramsden Hall Academy in Billericay, Essex.

The project was delivered by the main contractor for the Department for Education (DfE), and is managed by the Multi-Academy Trust, Parallel Learning Trust, whose mission is to build cultures of ambition for pupils from all backgrounds. Through this project, the Trust aims to contribute to a vibrant population of thinkers, voters, and entrepreneurs, especially within those groups historically excluded by deprivation and low attainment.

Ramsden Hall Academy works with up to 100 secondary-age and Year 6 male students who have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) for Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

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Works included the construction of a new three-storey residential block which will provide beds for 40 students, bolstering the academy’s ability to develop the pupil’s independent living skills.

Alongside the residential area, Morgan Sindall Construction delivered an extension to the existing teaching block, creating seven new classrooms, seven new withdrawal rooms, a learning resource centre, main assembly hall, dining hall, conference room and four new special educational needs (SEN) therapy rooms.

Externally, a therapeutic sensory garden space has been created, with a mix of plants and trees that promote biodiversity and create an inspiring environment for the students to work, socialise, relax, and feel safe.

Given the academy's remote, wooded setting, the site team took significant steps to ensure the preservation of the local nature and wildlife, working closely with ecologists and carrying out extensive surveys and an archaeological dig where appropriate.

The project created 86p of social value for every pound of the project’s value. This included the upskilling of the community, with four apprentices working 87 weeks between them on the project and engaging with a further 12 students from Ramsden Hall Academy, inspiring them to begin careers in construction. In addition, 37% of the project value was spent with local SMEs, meaning the community significantly benefited financially.