A special ceremony was held on Monday to celebrate the opening of Winchmore School’s new sixth form block. Ashe Construction handed over a special key to mark completion of the new building.
Until now, sixth formers have been travelling between several sites. Winchmore School has a strong partnership with Durants School, and this new facility will enable both schools to offer a wider range of educational opportunities.
By consolidating sixth form activities on one site, the school will eliminate the need for students and staff to travel between multiple locations, saving them time. The staff have been tending to drive between the sites so the new building will have the added benefit of helping to reduce the school’s carbon emissions.
The year-long project has seen construction of an £8.5m, two-storey block along with external works, with most of the building carried out whilst the school was in operation.
Designed to accommodate 150 mainstream students and up to 20 students with complex learning needs, the new building, designed by building design consultancy, dhp, provides an impressive, spacious entrance with an atrium leading to eight new classrooms. A study room, quiet space, dance studio, common room, and life skills room are included with a music therapy room, two IT suites, and gender-neutral and disabled toilets. The new block also incorporates a commercial kitchen and disabled lift. On the second floor, general offices have been provided.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, said: “The completion of the sixth form building marks a new chapter for Winchmore School. As students and staff move into this modern facility, they will benefit from a cohesive and inspiring learning environment. I am delighted that we are also able to deliver SEN places to address increasing demand and ensure local people can continue with their studies and access support from within the borough.
“We look forward to seeing the students in the new building and for Winchmore and Durants to continue with their high achievements and community engagement.”
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Tim Leaver said: “The project, funded by the Schools and Children’s Services Capital Grant, aligns with Enfield Council’s strategic goals to provide high-quality educational infrastructure. The new building will not only benefit current students but also attract future generations, contributing to the overall growth and development of the area and to support young people to flourish and thrive in Enfield.”
Andrew Morris, Ashe’s business development director said: “Creating modern and efficient education facilities fit for the next generation is our area of expertise. We are delighted that this new eye-catching building, with its modern design, will enable students and staff to optimize the learning at Winchmore School.”
Procured under the Pagabo Framework for Enfield Council, Ashe was awarded ‘Excellent’ in all areas during a site evaluation by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
One area highlighted was Ashe’s well-designed traffic management system and the team’s attitude to good housekeeping ensuring the site entrance was inviting and the surrounding area was kept clean and tidy, reflecting a very high level of customer service.
Also highlighted for praise was Ashe’s workforce activities with Ashe undertaking all the correct processes and promoting health and safety and wellbeing as a high priority.
In other education work, Ashe has recently completed two projects for the University of Hertfordshire and work is currently under way at Bedford Academy.