Cabot Learning Federation appointed 21CBS to deliver a complex programme of refurbishment, compliance and infrastructure improvement works across Monkton Wood Academy.
The works were undertaken within a live educational environment, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption to teaching activities while maintaining safe access for pupils, staff and contractors.
The programme was further complicated by multiple overlapping workstreams, evolving project requirements, coordination with other contractors, extensive compliance obligations and the need to manage asbestos, live services, gas infrastructure and working-at-height activities.
Throughout delivery, the team also had to navigate design changes and scope discrepancies while maintaining programme momentum ahead of the new academic term.
21CBS worked closely with Cabot Learning Federation, AtkinsRéalis and specialist subcontractors to coordinate a multi-disciplinary programme of refurbishment, compliance and building services works across the academy estate. Careful sequencing allowed works to progress across several buildings while maintaining a safe, operational school environment.
Robust CDM procedures, safeguarding controls and regular stakeholder coordination ensured the programme was delivered safely and efficiently within a live educational environment.
The works included:
Refurbishment of four science laboratories, including full strip-out works, new acoustic and fire-rated partitions, over 125m² of specialist science furniture, new suspended ceilings, Welded Vinyl Floor Coverings, appliance-ready benching and upgraded power, data and AV infrastructure. This also included the installation of new above and below ground gas supply for the labs, including a new gas safety system.
Complete refurbishment of student and staff toilet facilities across Blocks A, B, D and F, including new hygienic wall systems, safety flooring, IPS systems, sanitaryware, fire-rated doors, inclusive WC provision and associated M&E upgrades.
Extensive fire compartmentation and FRA remedial works, including Type A–D fire stopping repairs, FD30S and FD60S fire door installations, fire-rated ceilings and partitions, smoke-rated ductwork, fire dampers and upgrades to corridors, stairwells and plant areas.
The project included the replacement of the heating infrastructure serving Blocks D and F, incorporating new Hamworthy Stratton S3-100 condensing boilers, LTHW distribution systems, pumps, pressurisation equipment and radiators. Extensive underground service installations were also undertaken to provide new heating and water distribution routes, alongside associated BMS, data infrastructure and enabling groundworks to support the upgraded system.
Mechanical, electrical and life-safety upgrades throughout the academy, including LED lighting, fire alarm enhancements, gas proving systems, carbon monoxide detection, drainage repairs, ICT and AV improvements, skylight replacement and associated builders' works.
Additional complexity arose from the presence of asbestos-containing ceiling materials. Working alongside specialist asbestos contractors, 21CBS coordinated the safe removal of materials and completion of service penetrations, maintaining full compliance and programme continuity.
The completed programme has significantly enhanced the operational performance, safety and long-term value of Monkton Wood Academy's estate. The refurbished laboratories provide modern STEM teaching environments, while the renewed toilet facilities deliver improved hygiene, accessibility and user experience in accordance with DDA standards. Fire compartmentation upgrades have strengthened life safety measures throughout the campus, and the new heating infrastructure provides improved energy efficiency and controllability.
The wider M&E improvements have modernised critical building services, including lighting, alarms, drainage and ICT infrastructure, helping create a more resilient and future-ready learning environment. Delivered through a collaborative and proactive approach, the programme successfully navigated substantial design changes and complex site constraints while maintaining progress towards sectional completions for the new academic year.
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