Morgan Sindall Construction has celebrated a key stage in the Selly Oak SEN School project with a steel-signing event to mark the completion of the new building's structural frame.

The £12 million scheme will deliver a three-storey facility offering 2,117 square metres of contemporary teaching space for pupils with special educational needs, including purpose-designed classrooms, music rooms and libraries. The works also involve refurbishing parts of the existing school estate.

A commemorative steel beam was signed on Friday 28 November by stakeholders including Head Teacher Julie Eaton, Acivico Project Manager Sara Smith, Birmingham City Council Project Manager Angela Clark, School Business Development Manager Sarah Simmons, and other council representatives, reflecting the partnership underpinning the project.

Procured through the CWM framework, the 74-week programme began in July and is scheduled to complete in December 2026.

Alongside the main build, two modular blocks will add further teaching capacity: a trade and horticultural unit, and a restorative and changing facility. A new roadway is also being created to improve site logistics.

Delivering the project on a live SEN campus has required meticulous planning around daily operations, including coordinating with 40–50 minibuses and adhering to delivery windows suitable for the school environment. The team additionally accounted for local badger migration patterns when sequencing works, underscoring Morgan Sindall's environmental stewardship.

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Sustainability is central to the approach. In partnership with metal recycler EMR, the project is providing sustainability and recycling education for pupils. Steel waste generated on site is being recycled, with proceeds returned to the school to create environmental and educational benefits. Early construction activities were timed for the six-week summer break to minimise disruption, and new cycle shelters will encourage active travel.

Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: "Reaching this steel signing milestone represents an incredible achievement on what has been a complex but rewarding project. Delivering specialist educational facilities requires careful consideration of the unique requirements of pupils with special educational needs and we're proud to be creating a learning environment that will truly support their development."

He added: "It's particularly satisfying to incorporate sustainability education directly into the project through our partnership with EMR, ensuring pupils benefit from learning about recycling and environmental responsibility whilst their new school takes shape."

Julie Eaton, Headteacher at Selly Oak SEN School, added: "As the Headteacher of this wonderful school, I am delighted that the new build is underway. Students and staff alike are fascinated by the work going on and the opportunity for a real life insight into the building industry. The new building will offer our students a fantastic environment for them to learn and grow in and we can't wait to see it completed."

"Damian Donnelly, Associate Director, Constructing West Midlands, commented: We're proud to be supporting the delivery of this project in continued partnership with Birmingham City Council. The progress made is testament to the collaborative approach adopted by all parties, underpinned by early contractor involvement through the Constructing West Midlands Framework. It stands as a clear example of how integrated working can help shape educational environments that meet the complex needs of their future learners."