Delivering a benchmark for modern school design
Client: Department for Education
Conlon Construction delivered The Olive School in Manchester, creating a purpose-built primary school designed around safeguarding, wellbeing and community engagement.
Developed for the Department for Education, the school provides high-quality learning environments for 420 pupils, with every aspect of the design focused on creating a safe, welcoming and inspiring place to learn.
The Challenge
The project required the delivery of a modern educational environment that prioritised pupil safety, wellbeing and behaviour while providing flexible indoor and outdoor spaces capable of supporting both school and community use.
The design needed to balance educational outcomes, operational efficiency and long-term value, creating a facility that could serve as a model for future school developments.
Our Solution
Conlon delivered a purpose-built primary school featuring:
- Modern classrooms and teaching environments
- Safeguarding-led design principles
- Clear sightlines and passive supervision throughout
- Flexible learning and support spaces
- Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
- Mini football pitch
- Dedicated play and recreation areas
- Community cricket nets
- Staff and visitor parking facilities
- Extensive landscaping and external learning spaces
- Shaded social and wellbeing areas
Existing landscape features were carefully integrated into the development, creating outdoor environments that support learning, play, wellbeing and community engagement.
The Outcome
The completed Olive School provides a safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
The project’s success has been recognised beyond its immediate educational impact, with the design principles and delivery approach subsequently adopted as the benchmark for future Star Academies school developments.
By placing safeguarding, wellbeing and community value at the heart of the project, Conlon helped create a school that delivers lasting benefits for pupils, staff and the wider community.