Creating a school designed for learning, community and growth
Client: Education and Skills Funding Agency
Conlon Construction delivered King’s Leadership Academy in Warrington, creating a modern secondary school designed around collaboration, wellbeing and community engagement.
Developed for the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the academy combines high-quality teaching environments with extensive sports and performance facilities, creating a campus that serves both pupils and the wider local community.
The Challenge
The project required the creation of a new-build academy that responded to its unique parkland setting while providing flexible learning environments capable of supporting a modern curriculum.
The design also needed to maximise community benefit, ensuring key facilities could be accessed and enjoyed beyond the school day.
Our Solution
Conlon delivered a purpose-built two-storey academy featuring:
- Steel-frame construction
- Modern teaching and faculty accommodation
- Central circulation spine with connected learning wings
- Outdoor teaching and breakout spaces
- Sports hall and physical activity facilities
- Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
- Auditorium and performance space
- Community-accessible facilities
- Staff and visitor parking provision
- Secure cycle storage for 84 bicycles
- Extensive landscaping and external works
The building was carefully designed to integrate with its parkland surroundings, using materials including timber to create a welcoming and contemporary learning environment.
The Outcome
The completed academy provides pupils with inspiring learning environments that support collaboration, achievement and personal development, while creating meaningful connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Beyond its educational role, the school acts as a valuable community asset. The sports hall, MUGA and auditorium were designed to be accessible outside school hours, ensuring the investment benefits local residents as well as future generations of students.
The project demonstrates Conlon’s ability to deliver high-quality educational facilities that balance architectural quality, functionality and community value, creating places that continue to make a positive impact long after construction is complete.
It was vital that we were able to take possession of the new building before the summer recess and we have been impressed with Conlon’s project management, attention to detail and communication throughout the programme, which have given us the peace of mind of knowing that the build was on track. We’re delighted with the results and the students cannot wait to move into their new school building!