One of the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon schools has welcomed students at the beginning of term.

The official opening of the new West Coventry Academy took place with representatives of the Department for Education and staff and students from the school taking part in a plaque unveiling ceremony.

Delivered via the School Rebuilding Programme, it is a 1500 place school (8 Form Entry including Sixth Form), with a swimming pool. The school site had significant condition issues across all its buildings.  All existing blocks are to be demolished following the handover of the new teaching block to the south of the site.  The buildings will consolidate the teaching accommodation on a much-reduced footprint and allowing the school to benefit more from its outdoor space across the site.

West Coventry Academy is fully comprehensive and part of a local consortium of schools sharing sixth form facilities to enable post-16 children the flexibility to explore their career of choice. The school joined a multi academy trust (MAT), The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership in 2022.

Construction incorporated a load bearing timber structurally insulated panel solution manufactured by our B+K Group specialist Innovaré.

The academy was procured through the DfE’s Modern Methods of Construction Framework and is planned to be net zero carbon in operation – meeting the DfE’s sustainability targets.

Renewable technology implemented on the scheme includes air source heat pumps and photovoltaics. Heat recycling will be taken from the catering kitchen, servers and the electrical generator.  Ventilation shafts cross vent classroom spaces ensuring lower energy use.

Combined with a significant amount of additional tree planting to carbon offset and provide a protective cool environment around the building, the site and buildings create a healthy environment for pupils.

Chris Arno, Bowmer + Kirkland Framework Director, said: West Coventry Academy was one of the first 10 schools to start from the government’s 500 School Rebuilding Program. Bowmer and Kirkland was selected by the DfE in February of 2021 with our first task being to design, secure planning permission and start construction by September of the same year.

“This milestone was achieved, and I am delighted to see that the collaborative approach fostered between the DfE, School, B+K and all key stakeholders has enabled the new school to be completed six months ahead of schedule and ready for the new school year. Students, staff, parents, and the local community can now enjoy these brand-new facilities knowing that the building is net zero carbon in operation.”