St Bernard’s High School unveils new £4.5 million teaching block in Westcliff-on-Sea Thursday, 28th January 2021

We’re celebrating success following the completion of a three-year project at St Bernard’s High School in Westcliff-on-Sea despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 and lockdowns.

The three-storey building comprises cutting-edge classrooms, offices, toilets, servery, and a sixth form common area allowing for an additional form of entry.

It comes amid rising demand for school places across Essex and means St Bernard’s capacity has risen by 150 to 1,075 in total.

Judith Krone, school business manager at St Bernard’s High School, said: “Having previously submitted a planning application to Southend Borough Council for a smaller extension which then gave rise to extended conversations about design, it was joyful that Ingleton Wood were able to produce a design that was acceptable to us, the planners and to the local community.

“Having new classrooms with modern specifications is proving to be a real bonus in helping us to continue providing support to those children who need to remain in school during the lockdown.”

We provided multi-disciplinary services throughout with our architectural expertise being showcased in the design of a modern contemporary building which is in keeping with local buildings.

The school now boasts the latest mechanical and electrical installations in the new classrooms, such as comfort cooling and interactive teaching walls.

Chris Mabbutt, Director at Ingleton Wood, said: “Despite the unique challenges posed by Covid-19, we are very pleased to deliver this fantastic new teaching block for St Bernard’s High School.

“The facility was designed to be in keeping with existing sixth form classrooms but features improved energy efficiency, greater use of space, and better value for money for the school.”

The project was funded by Southend Borough Council and also includes the modernisation of existing buildings and facilities, such as the refurbishment of the science department and the relocation of the fitness suite and staff rooms. New changing rooms and a food technology classroom were also built.