A Yorkshire-based off-site manufacturer has been awarded a six figure contract to deliver a full turnkey solution for additional classrooms at Foxford School & Community Arts College in Coventry, increasing student capacity by 10 per cent via the NHS SBS Modular Framework.
Wakefield-headquartered Thurston Group will manufacture and install four new bespoke facilities, including additional classrooms, cloak rooms and office space, designed to accommodate the school’s growing student population and provide a modern and inspiring learning environment.
The project, funded by Coventry City Council, will see the school provided with additional classrooms and toilet facilities, with flexible spaces to accommodate various teaching needs. The manufacture and installation process began in November 2024 and within two months, the new building will be completed, commissioned and handed over for operation, a testament to the efficiency and speed of off-site manufacturing methods that Thurston Group specialises in.
The new classrooms will house an additional 120 pupils, along with four extra teachers and two teaching assistants.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “We want every child in Coventry to have access to the best education. So, the opening of these new teaching facilities is not just great news for the staff and students at Foxford, it is great news for Coventry, as the young people who study in these classrooms will have the foundations to take our city forward.
“The new spaces will offer students exceptional learning environments to go alongside their exceptional achievements. The project also creates six new highly skilled job opportunities which is brilliant for those looking for their next teaching role.”
Thurston has completed a significant number of education projects across the UK in recent years, solidifying its role as a trusted provider of off-site manufactured buildings with education providers across all ages. The Foxford School project is a continuation of the company’s mission to deliver high-quality, adaptable learning spaces for the future.
Thurston secured the project through a competitive bidding process, where its reputation for delivering cost-effective and high-quality educational facilities, as well as its commitment to health and safety, was key to its selection.
The off-site approach used by Thurston will minimise disruption to the school’s daily operations, allowing the structure to be built and installed rapidly without interfering with ongoing curriculum activities.
Thurston will also provide opportunities for students at the school to tour the site during the install process, giving them an insight into off-site manufacturing as they continue to focus energy into attracting youngsters into considering construction as a career path.
John Pay, group sales & marketing director of Thurston Group, commented: “This project is further evidence of the power of off-site manufacturing, allowing us to deliver durable, modern and cost-effective educational spaces within just three months, we will be able to provide the school with new, high-quality facilities that will greatly benefit the students and staff. This project exemplifies the speed, efficiency and reliability of off-site construction.”
The project also reflects Thurston’s commitment to sustainable practices by reducing material waste and minimising the environmental impact during construction where all waste materials will be diverted from landfill.
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