Highworth Grammar School is an Ofsted Outstanding rated selective girls school catering for 1,500 pupils and located in Ashford, Kent. Boys are admitted within the 6th Form. Founded in 1904 the school moved to the present site in 1928 when many of the school buildings were constructed.
What Did The Job Involve?
For many years the School had an ambition to construct much needed indoor sports facilities and this was finally realised when funding was obtained. Designed by Ingleton Wood, we were awarded the project following a traditional tender route and collaborative VE exercise.
Known as the Vink Centre, after a former long-standing Governor of the school, the new building comprises a sports hall and associated stores and changing facilities, PE office and dance studio/multipurpose area situated on the first floor. The project also included the construction of a small MUGA to compensate for external hard play being lost. New service upgrades were provided to the site.
The building was a steel frame with brick, render and thermawood cladding. An excellent relationship with the school was enjoyed throughout.
What Were The Challenges?
Located to the rear of the school, the school’s main entrance had to be maintained throughout the day. Deliveries were scheduled to avoid busy times, and sensitive works such as service connections were completed out of hours. Access to the school playing fields and car park had to be maintained throughout the project and this included drop and collection at each end of the school day.
The Sports Hall roof required the erection of curved steel beams which were spliced on site due to their length. Curved steel roof panels were formed on site. This required additional space being created within the compound for the rolling machinery.
Beardwell’s Added Value
In association with teaching staff, we completed a number of curriculum-related exercises looking at design and construction technologies.
We hosted a sixth-form student for a period of work experience and were so impressed with Phoebe, that we invited her to complete a paid project for us on another contract during her summer holiday.
Site visits by pupils were entertained throughout the project.
