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 £6.5m 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 £3.7m 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, commented: “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.”
