Phase one was completed in 2016 and provides teaching accommodation over two blocks: the Heart Block comprises the library Space, school canteen and classrooms, and a further block provides additional teaching space. Phase one delivered capacity for 600 pupils. Phase two was also completed in 2016 and comprises Skyliner Sports Centre and an external multi-use games area, which is now managed by Abbeycroft Leisure and used by both the Academy and wider community. Phase three was completed in 2019 and delivered an additional teaching block to increase the Academy’s capacity to 900 pupils. Finally, in 2020 phase four saw the addition of a further teaching block, increasing capacity to 1200 pupils. The site is fully master-planned to an ultimate capacity of 1800 students.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We ensured that the school and wider community were fully engaged throughout. During phases one and two, we arranged a series of open evenings for prospective pupils and parents, as well as staff from Abbeycroft Leisure to allow them to become familiar with the facilities. Phases three and four were delivered on a live school site, requiring careful programming to ensure that deliveries were undertaken outside school pick up and drop off times to protect students. Throughout all phases, monthly newsletters were published for local residents and businesses, detailing upcoming works and any potential site deliveries, road closures and noise disruptions. The project also generated six months of work experience for a local student.

“Sybil Andrews Academy is an incredible achievement in designing and building a new 21st century educational and sports facility from a standing start […] It is a real credit to all those involved and to the collaborative ‘will-do’ approach taken by the designers and contractors alike. The students at Sybil Andrews Academy are in awe of their surroundings which act as a real inspiration in and out of the classroom.
Tim Coulson, Chief Executive of the Samuel Ward Academy Trust