Morgan Sindall Construction recently celebrated a key milestone at Castledon School in Essex, a specialist educational needs (SEN) institution, with a ceremonial steel signing to mark the final structural installation.

Commissioned by Essex County Council (ECC), Morgan Sindall's work on this project involves expanding Castledon School to help meet the rising demand for specialised educational support in the region. The ceremony brought together Morgan Sindall’s project team, Castledon's headteacher Simon Holliday, members of Zenith Multi-Academy Trust, local MP Mark Francois, and other council representatives, all of whom gathered to sign the steel framework of the new extension.

This project, managed under the Essex Construction Framework 2 (ECF2), is scheduled for completion by summer 2025. Once operational, the expanded school will support students aged 5 to 19 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), moderate learning difficulties, and other SEN needs, addressing a crucial need for tailored educational resources in the area.


Working alongside architects and designers from Ingleton Wood and structural consultants Superstructures, the development will add 11 versatile classrooms, a sports hall, food technology room, science lab, art studio, therapy and physio rooms, a calming area, MUGA (multi-use games area), a library, and dedicated office space. These additions will more than double the school’s capacity from 82 to 196 students.

Aligned with its Intelligent Solutions strategy, Morgan Sindall is using the CarboniCa tool to track and minimise carbon emissions throughout the project. The building will also feature a 70% photovoltaic (PV) panel-covered roof, ensuring it operates at net-zero emissions once complete.

Ryan Liversage, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Essex, said: "It's been an absolute pleasure to welcome the community on site to sign the steel and see our progress. Delivering Castledon School’s extension is incredibly important to meet the growing demand for high-quality, specialist educational support in Essex, so it means a lot to apply our expertise and bring this project to life. We’re excited to reach even more milestones on this inspiring development and continue to work closely alongside Essex County Council and the local community."

Simon Holliday, Headteacher at Castledon School said:"It is incredible to see the vision for appropriate facilities for our wonderful young people becoming a reality. I am particularly excited about the new sports hall and dedicated science room to help enhance the curriculum."