Topic Awards, Schools and Colleges
Date 15 May 2024
Galliford Try’s Building Southern business has been shortlisted for this year’s Constructing Excellence London and South East Awards in the Delivering Value category for Bloxham Grove Academy.
The project was shortlisted for Delivering Value by reinforcing the project's commitment to inclusivity for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children by having their own assistance dog on site, and utilising Makaton signs to visually communicate and give support to the children.
In addition to achieving an 'Outstanding' rating of 47/50 on the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), the project generated an overall Social and Local Economic Value (SLEV) exceeding £800,000. It also contributed over £38,000 to local community projects, facilitated 108 volunteering hours, and completed 60 weeks of apprenticeships.
The new special free school for students aged seven to 18 with cognitive, learning, social, emotional and autism spectrum needs will be operated by The Gallery Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust, dedicated to providing outstanding education and support for young people with SEND.
Designed by ADP Architecture and delivered on behalf of the Department for Education, the school includes outdoor dining areas, cluster classrooms, a new hall, a multi-use games area , hard play areas, sensory gardens, kitchen gardens, grassed sports fields, and dog walking areas, where students will have the opportunity to participate in therapeutic sessions with assistance pets. The project has also been shortlisted for this year’s CCS National Site Awards that recognise the efforts that constructors have made to be the most considerate neighbours.
Gavin Bridge, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building Southern, commented: “Throughout its design, Bloxham Grove Academy has been meticulously detailed to provide the students with the specialised support they deserve, from its inception until its completion.
“Congratulations to all involved for delivering a high-quality school and nurturing an environment both within and around the premises where students feel empowered to thrive. I wish the team the best of luck at the awards in June.”
Charlotte Roberts, Headteacher of Bloxham Grove Academy, said: “Congratulations from all of us at Bloxham Grove Academy – we are absolutely delighted that we have been shortlisted for this award! It is very much deserved and is a testament to our ongoing focus on really understanding the needs of our students and what they require for an inspiring and engaging place to learn. We all love our school so many, many thanks from us all to Galliford Try.”
Winners will be announced on 27 June at the Royal Lancaster, London.