TGA are thrilled to share Callerton Academy has now completed!
This new build secondary school will welcome approx. 1,200 pupils and was developed under the leadership of Morgan Sindall Construction, in collaboration with Space Architects and MACE, who acted as the Department for Education (DfE) Technical Advisor.
The project consists of a multi-use three-storey building built around a central core – including teaching facilities, a flexible space for dining, assemblies, and an administration area.
Adjoining the main building is a dedicated sports facility encompassing a sports hall and changing facilities. The sports amenities are designed to operate beyond school hours, providing opportunities for the local community. Outdoor spaces include a Multi-Use Games Area, three full-size pitch areas, a running track, and a small practice pitch behind the MUGA.
TGA successfully provided mechanical and electrical services, with our Building Performance team additionally tasked with achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation:
🔧 Mechanical Services
- Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) Heating, utilising Air Source Heat Pumps
- Hybrid Natural Ventilation Heat Recovery Systems for teaching spaces
- Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery Systems
- Roof-mounted Natural Ventilation ‘Windcatchers’
- Domestic Hot and Cold-Water Services
- Above Ground Drainage
- LPG System serving all science laboratories
- Building Energy Management System (BEMS) with:
- Automatic meter reading
- data collection and monthly uploading of data to iSERV for monitoring and benchmarking purposes.
💡 Electrical Services
- General and Emergency Lighting, featuring:
- Manual and automatic lighting controls
- Daylight linking to naturally daylit spaces
- Small Power and Data
- Access Control and Security Systems with Fire Alarm and Emergency Evacuation Systems (where required)
- Low Voltage (LV) Distribution System throughout, with:
- metering enabling automatic reading
- data collection for monthly uploading data to iSERV for monitoring and benchmarking
🌱 Net Zero Carbon in Operation
Key strategies and features included:
- Green roof incorporation supporting:
- Solar panels for onsite renewable energy generation
- Grass, moss, and small plants to enhance biodiversity and the building’s overall environmental credentials.
- Tackling the inherent challenge of net zero by:
- Balancing energy demand with onsite renewable generation
- Reducing operational energy demand through:
- Enhanced thermal performance
- High-efficiency building fabric
- Optimised building services design
- Achieved a lower Energy Use Intensity (EUI) compared to industry benchmarks, due to the above measures, supporting the project’s net zero carbon aspirations
Similar to any project, there were a few challenging aspects, such as the programme itself, which included fast-paced design stages and the incorporation of DfE, MACE, and CEM processes. The solution involved allocating significant local resources and following a detailed schedule of deliverables.
TGA followed the Technical Annexes, which are the DfE’s Employer Requirements that all projects under the 2021 School Rebuilding and Free Schools programme were required to comply with. TGA consistently reviewed and ensured understanding of the revised DfE requirements, including regular sessions with the DfE Technical Advisors.
Collaboration with the design team and main contractor was extremely important and was maintained through regular design reviews, coordination workshops, and CEMs.
The Callerton Academy project exemplifies a modern, sustainable approach to educational infrastructure, combining state-of-the-art facilities with environmental responsibility.
The collaborative efforts among TGA, Morgan Sindall Construction, Space Architects, MACE, the DfE, WSP, ONE Environments, Leybourne Urwin Ltd and McVickers Limited ensure that the project remains on track, overcoming challenges and setting a standard for future school constructions.
Well done to all involved! 👏
