Sandy Secondary marks new milestone in school transformation project

Progress on the Sandy Secondary School transformation has taken another step forward with the completion of the steel framework on the new teaching block.

Expansion work is currently taking place on the Engayne Avenue site, which will also see a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) block, with completion expected in spring next year.

This is the latest stage of Central Bedfordshire Council’s transformation project for the school following its conversion to a secondary in September 2018. With a current capacity of 1,145 pupils, the construction of new teaching and SEND blocks will allow the school to accommodate up to 1,440 pupils when the work is completed in the autumn of next year.

A ceremony was held at Sandy Secondary School, on Thursday (28 September) to mark the latest construction milestone in the transformation project as dignitaries from Central Bedfordshire Council, Ashe Construction and Concertus joined pupils and Executive Principal Karen Hayward to tighten the final bolt on the steel frame of the new teaching block.

Central Bedfordshire Council Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, Cllr Hayley Whitaker, said: “This is an exciting stage in the process, as pupils can now see the size and shape of their new classrooms. With work on the new SEND block forging ahead it won’t be long until young people can enjoy learning in a brand-new environment and to continue to make the most of their education.”

Sandy Secondary School Executive Principal, Karen Hayward, said: “This is another really important milestone in the transformation of the school and the much-needed new facilities and resources for the students, they very much deserve this.

“This exciting development will give our students access to more It facilities and specialist food rooms, as well as a brand new sixth form centre and a 4g pitch. In addition to new teaching rooms. We feel really privileged to have two new multi-million buildings for our students and feel it shows our students what can be achieved if you have that vision and dream.”

Robin Blake, Chief Executive of contractor Ashe Construction, said: “It’s always a pleasure to get to this point in any of our projects, where we see the progression from planning and preparation, to creating the framework which will soon transform into wonderful new learning spaces for children in the area.”

Darren Fellowes, Associate Director from Concertus, said: “It is fantastic to see the works to further expand the schools’ teaching facilities gather pace on site. Not only has it been exciting to design each phase and in particular the new two-storey teaching block, but to have also developed a valued relationship with the main contractor Ashe Construction, Central Bedfordshire Council, and the school themselves. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the school, client, and contractor on this exciting project”.