Construction of Oasis Academy Daventry Road in South Bristol has reached a significant milestone with a topping out ceremony, as Wates celebrates the installation of the final steel beam on the new school building.

The 900-place secondary school is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Education and Oasis Community Learning.

Once complete, the academy is set to provide outstanding learning environments for young people aged 11 to 16 and will serve as a hub for the wider community in Knowle.

Currently 31 weeks into its main construction phase, the project is now over 40% complete. So far, 374 tonnes of structural steel have been utilised across both buildings. The project team, led by Tom Reynolds, recently achieved a perfect score of 45/45 from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reflecting their commitment to excellence on site.

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The new school will feature high-standard football pitches, a dynamic activity studio, a sports hall, and landscaped outdoor spaces, enhancing both academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.

Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, stated: "This milestone marks more than just progress on site – it's a symbol of our commitment to shaping thriving, resilient communities. Oasis Academy Daventry Road will play a vital role in supporting young people to achieve their potential while offering a valuable new space for the wider community."

Social value delivery has been a central component of the project, with £31,705 in social enterprise spend contributed to date. Community engagement initiatives have included school engagement events at Hillcrest Primary, careers talks for Oasis students, and participation in Open Doors 2025, which allowed local residents to explore the construction site. A Community Day with Certus is also scheduled for later this month to help renovate part of Hillcrest Primary's playground.

Rebecca Stepek, Project Manager at Oasis Community Learning, commented: "It's truly special to see the vision for this school come to life. Today's celebration is a testament to the power of partnership and community determination. Together, we're creating something truly meaningful for the young people of South Bristol."

The academy is anticipated to provide a modern learning environment and a valuable resource for the Knowle community, contributing to local regeneration, creating opportunities, and supporting future generations.