Pupils, the headteacher and the leader of Trafford Council took on the professionals at bricklaying to celebrate a key milestone of a £6.4m school expansion.
Galliford Try, the main contractor for the £6.4m expansion of Brentwood School in Sale, marked the project reaching its halfway point. Commissioned by Trafford Council, the expansion will increase pupil places at the school by 80 places, helping to meet the rising demand for SEND school places in the area.
The project was procured through the Procure Partnerships North West Framework via a two-stage call-off method.
To mark a key construction milestone, the headteacher and pupils of Brentwood School were joined by Galliford Try, Trafford Council, and Procure Partnerships Framework to lay the first bricks of the new extension.
The event not only celebrated significant progress in the physical construction but also showcased the strong collaboration that has been vital to the success of the project.
Brentwood School, which caters to students aged 11-19 with severe learning difficulties, autism, and complex medical needs, is co-located with Brentwood Community College, providing further education for students aged 19-23. The expansion project aims to increase capacity and address the growing demand for SEND school places.
The new extension will include a single-storey teaching block, covering 1,109sqm of floor area, bringing the total size of the school to 4,923sqm. Originally opened in 2016, Brentwood School has been experiencing a rise in student numbers in recent years.
Darren Parker, Managing Director at Galliford Try North West said:
“We are delighted to be leading the Brentwood School extension, ensuring it meets evolving educational needs and growing pupil numbers,”
“This project showcases the value of early contractor engagement and collaboration. Working closely with the school during pre-construction, we embedded their vision into the design. Their exceptional engagement has made it a pleasure to bring this vision to life. Beyond construction, we remain committed to creating employment and training opportunities, leaving a lasting legacy for the school and community.”
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said:
“It is a priority of the Council to work with our partners to support our children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This is a great example of us doing that.
I am delighted at how the project is going. Our pupils and school staff will be learning in a brilliant environment and I can’t wait to see the extension finished and open, so that the school can meet the growing demand for places.”
Natalie Palframan, Key Account Manager at Procure Partnerships Framework, added
“We are delighted to be part of this exciting milestone for Brentwood School. The expansion of the school will support more SEND students and their families, providing them with the resources and space they need to thrive.
The two-stage procurement process has allowed Galliford Try to work closely with the council, ensuring that the design truly reflects their vision. This collaborative approach is evident in the strong relationship they have developed with the school, helping the construction phase feel more like a joint effort than a disruption. It’s been fantastic to see the progress and how the project is already benefiting both the students and the wider school community, and we look forward to seeing this develop further.”
Collaboration has been at the heart of the Brentwood School expansion project. Every Friday, pupils are given the opportunity to visit the construction site, offering them valuable insight into the world of construction. These visits have become an exciting and anticipated part of their weekly learning experience. In addition, Galliford Try has been actively engaging with the school through assemblies and ensuring the school community remains closely involved in the project’s development.
The project has also led to a partnership with Trafford College, where over 40 T-Level students are gaining hands-on experience during the construction process. This initiative provides valuable training and development for the next generation of construction professionals, further strengthening ties between the school, college, and the local community.
