A steel-signing ceremony on 10 June brought together senior representatives from GRAHAM, the Department for Education (DfE), Lionheart Educational Trust and pupils from the school. Students added their names to a steel beam, which was then lifted into position to create a lasting legacy within the new building.

Commissioned by the DfE and Lionheart Educational Trust and procured via the DfE’s CF21 Framework, GRAHAM is delivering a complex overhaul of the secondary and sixth form campus. The scheme comprises a new two-storey school, the refurbishment and remodelling of a retained block, and the demolition of outdated buildings to provide modern, high-quality accommodation for up to 1,550 learners.

Wider improvements include new outdoor learning and play spaces, a three-court multi-use games area (MUGA) and additional sports pitches, alongside site-wide enhancements.

Enabling works started in February 2026. The new building is scheduled to be made watertight by November 2026 and ready for occupation in January 2028.

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In May, GRAHAM completed a new all-weather artificial grass pitch two weeks ahead of programme — the first sectional handover on the project. Measuring 100m x 60m and built to International Hockey Federation standards, it incorporates three smaller cross-play pitches and is already being used by the school and the local community.

Ronan Hughes, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: "The steel signing is a landmark moment on any construction project, and at Castle Rock, it feels particularly special.

"Our team has made tremendous progress since enabling works began earlier this year, and reaching this structural milestone is a real testament to the skill and commitment of everyone on site."

"We are delivering far more than a new building: we are helping to transform the learning environment for 1,550 young people in Coalville. That sense of purpose drives everything we do, and we look forward to seeing the project take shape over the coming months."

Kath Kelly, CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust, said: "The steel signing marks a symbolic milestone for everyone involved in this project. It represents not only the progress of a new building, but our shared commitment to investing in the future of education in Coalville. We are grateful to the Department for Education and to our construction partners, GRAHAM, for their expertise and dedication in bringing this vision forward. We look forward to continuing this journey together as the school takes shape."

Roma Dhameja, Associate Principal at The Castle Rock School, said: "At Castle Rock School, we are proud to provide a supportive and ambitious environment where our students thrive and achieve. This new building will build on that success, giving our young people even better facilities, and opportunities to go even further. Seeing the structure come to life is hugely exciting and represents a lasting investment for our current students and futures generations in the local area."