Transforming a school to support three times as many students
Client: North Cestrian School
Conlon Construction delivered a major expansion and refurbishment programme at North Cestrian School, increasing capacity from 250 to 750 pupils while creating a range of specialist teaching facilities designed to support a modern secondary curriculum.
Delivered across seven carefully managed phases, the project combined new-build and refurbishment works to maximise the potential of the existing campus while ensuring the school remained fully operational throughout.
The Challenge
The school needed to significantly increase pupil capacity while improving specialist teaching provision, accessibility and the overall functionality of the campus.
With students and staff continuing to use the site throughout construction, the programme required careful planning, phased delivery and clear communication to minimise disruption and maintain a positive learning environment.
Our Solution
Conlon delivered a comprehensive programme of expansion and remodelling works, including:
- Three-storey extension to the existing science block
- New science laboratory facilities
- Resistant materials teaching space
- Dedicated food technology suite
- New dining hall and commercial kitchen
- Relocated staff accommodation
- Refurbishment of existing teaching spaces
- New music suite
- New art facilities
- Lift tower extension to improve accessibility
- New administration facilities
- Internal remodelling and refurbishment works
- Campus-wide infrastructure improvements
The project made intelligent use of the existing estate, repurposing former spaces to create modern specialist learning environments while improving the overall flow and functionality of the campus.
The Outcome
The completed development has transformed North Cestrian School, tripling its capacity while delivering the specialist facilities needed to support a broader and more engaging educational experience.
Enhanced science, technology, arts and dining facilities have created a more balanced and future-focused learning environment, while accessibility improvements ensure the campus is welcoming and inclusive for all students, staff and visitors.
Delivered across seven phases within a live school environment, the project demonstrates Conlon’s expertise in managing complex education programmes that combine expansion, refurbishment and operational continuity to create lasting value for school communities.
The positive experience was not just about doing the right things – it was also about the manner in which they were done. I appreciate the commercial and practical pressure the team were under yet they found time to meet, listen and discuss, in good humour and a genuine desire to reach resolution.