Work has officially commenced on Morgan Sindall Construction's latest education project in Greater Manchester, the permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy, a five-form entry secondary school with space for 750 students aged 11-16.

Operated by Star Academies, one of the UK’s highest-performing multi-academy trusts, the school initially opened in September 2024 in temporary facilities. Ahead of the next intake of Year 7 pupils, these temporary facilities are being expanded to include additional classrooms, science labs, a school kitchen, an assembly and activity space, and a new outdoor play area.

Now, construction of the permanent three-storey, 6,000m² school building is underway at the Spring Lane site. A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the milestone, attended by Morgan Sindall staff alongside representatives from the Department for Education, Bury Council, and Star Academies.

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The project will deliver a state-of-the-art 'superblock' school, complete with extensive external works and sports facilities. A new access road and drop-off area will also be created. Star Radcliffe Academy is the first new secondary school in Radcliffe in over a decade, addressing the growing demand for school places in the area.

During the pre-construction phase, Morgan Sindall used its Intelligent Solutions approach to overcome challenges posed by the site’s former coal mining history. To mitigate the risk of subsidence and contamination, the foundation design incorporates ground stabilisation and vibro piling, reducing carbon impact by minimising concrete use.

Designed to be net zero in operation (NZIO), the school will feature energy-efficient design, renewable energy generation, and low-carbon technologies, contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets while cutting long-term running costs. The site will also use an innovative stormwater management system, manufactured just 13 miles away from the site using 100% recycled, carbon-neutral materials, reducing excavation, waste, and reliance on deep underground tanks.