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WORK COMPLETES ON £ 6.5M EXPANSION AT BARR ’ S HILL SCHOOL
Construction works have been completed on the Barr ’ s Hill School in Coventry , expanding the school ’ s capacity , with the creation of a new teaching block for year seven pupils and re-modelling of existing buildings .
Midlands-based main contractor G F Tomlinson led on the construction of the building on behalf of Coventry City Council since works started on the school in 2021 .
The £ 6.5 million new teaching building known as ‘ The Bridge ’ is set across two storeys and comprises seven modern classrooms . The facility provides - a dedicated space that has been designed to help 11 and 12-year-olds benefit from a smooth transition into secondary education serving as their own ‘ mini school ’.
Works also included the re-configuration and remodelling of existing buildings to accommodate the school ’ s expansion over the coming years , with the school ’ s science department being extended and refurbished , as well as new classroom spaces , improved sports and gym facilities , external play spaces , and an additional dining area .
Procured through Pagabo ’ s National Framework for Medium Works , this is the second scheme G F Tomlinson have successfully delivered for Coventry City Council – the first being the £ 3.7 million development of Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry .
The school , whose most recent exam results place it in the top 1 % nationally , currently offers 780 places for children aged 11- 16 , plus 140 sixth form students , and has an expansion plan to ensure it provides a total of 1100 places in five years ’ time .
Chris Flint , managing director of G F Tomlinson , said : “ We ’ re pleased to see works have completed on this dedicated space for year seven pupils at Barr ’ s Hill School .
This being our second project through Pagabo ’ s National Framework and for Coventry City Council .
“ The expansion and improvement of the school will ultimately provide 310 additional places , as well as a dedicated space to help pupils prepare and adjust for secondary education . We look forward to seeing the school welcome pupils into the new space .”
Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu , Cabinet Member for Education and Skills , said : “ The opening of these new teaching facilities is not just great news for the staff and students here at Barr ’ s Hill , it is great news for Coventry , as the young people who study in these classrooms will hopefully go on to take our city forward .
“ The lessons they learn here and the sense of pride and responsibility they take in their new facilities will be building blocks for their future . I want to thank everyone for their hard work and efforts that have gone into such a fantastic project ”.
Chris Jupp , headteacher at Barr ’ s Hill School , said : “ The new spaces are transformational , they offer students exceptional learning environments to go alongside their exceptional achievements .
“ It was wonderful to see the amazed faces of the year seven students going into The Bridge for the first time , they could not believe it ! We are grateful to G F Tomlinson for the delivery of an exceptional learning space and a well thought through scheme .”
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