A significant milestone has been reached for Bedford Academy, as a contract to build 16 new state-of-the-art classrooms has been finalised. This development is part of an ambitious plan that will see the school expand its capacity to teach 1,800 pupils by 2029.

Project Scope and Timeline

The extensive 60-week project will not only include the construction of 16 new classrooms but will also feature new changing rooms, a dining area, and a community café.

Located on Mile Road in Bedford, Bedford Academy currently serves 1,350 pupils. The new extension will enable the school to accommodate an additional 300 students, ultimately reaching a total enrollment of 1,800 pupils. This expansion will make Bedford Academy one of the largest secondary schools in Bedford Borough.

Design and Student-Centric Approach

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/contract-agreed-for-major-extension-at-bedford-academy/

The new classrooms are designed to be bright, safe, and simple, equipped with modern whiteboards and ICT facilities. The design process incorporated feedback from students, ensuring that the classrooms support effective learning. Teachers will have the flexibility to move freely around desks, enhancing interaction and engagement with students.

Community and Facilities

The new facilities will also be available for hire by individuals and community groups, including football, basketball, and badminton clubs, faith groups, and dance schools. This community-centric approach aims to maximise the utility of the new spaces.

Chris Dellar, headteacher at Bedford Academy, enthusiastically stated: “We are making the most of this opportunity to provide new sustainable facilities for our school, our children, and our community. The families who use our buildings outside of school time will have access to our large dining hall, which will double up as a café for parents to use while they wait for their children to finish their activities.”

Sustainability and Efficiency

The two-storey extension will be built to high energy efficiency standards, with 'U Values' ensuring minimal heat loss through the building facade. Bedford Borough Council has awarded the contract to Ashe Construction, who will utilise a special product to coat both sides of the external walls, meeting the airtightness required for Net Zero Carbon in Operation standard.

Community Impact and Future Vision

Chris Morris, chief officer for education, SEND, and schools at Bedford Borough Council, emphasised the broader impact of this extension: “This is about more than expanding a popular school with a Good rating from Ofsted. It is an opportunity to provide high-quality facilities for the entire community. Pupils have been at the heart of creating the vision for the new facilities, and we hope their legacy will be felt for generations to come.”