Construction begins on a significant new school building at Ashcombe Primary School

25th April 2023 | Working on

The students of Weston-super-Mare’s Ashcombe Primary School are set to benefit from new classroom space, as work gets underway on a major new extension to the school.

This week, an official ground-breaking ceremony took place to celebrate the project kick-off. Principal Contractor John Perkins Construction was joined by key staff members and trustees of Ashcombe Primary School, as well as Hookway Chartered Surveyors, and BBA Architects.

Ashcombe Primary School, part of Kaleidoscope Multi Academy Trust, is a vibrant school for 4–11-year-olds, located on Earlham Grove in Weston-super-Mare. Originally built in 1969, the school has expanded over the years, but some of the facilities are no longer suitable for purpose.

The new-build, timber-framed extension, constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, will provide fresh, modern classrooms, staff office space, a servery and an entrance reception area. The year-long construction works are due for completion in spring 2024. The school will remain open throughout, with John Perkins Construction ensuring the highest levels of Health & Safety during the works.

Simon Marriott, CEO of Kaleidoscope Multi Academy Trust, comments: “The new extension will be an incredible place for Ashcombe’s children, families and staff. It is the culmination of four years of hard work by school leaders and Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust. We have been well supported by Hookway Chartered Surveyors, John Penrose MP, John Perkins Construction, North Somerset Council and BBA Architects & Planners. The finished building will be modern, spacious, and built to the latest environmental standards. We are delighted that the Ashcombe community will benefit from this exciting project.”

John Clark, Headteacher of Ashcombe Primary School, comments: “Our children and local community have had a tough old time of it over the pandemic. So, this fabulous new facility brings us all much-deserved hope, excitement and optimism for the future. Our children and local community will go from strength to strength in such high quality accommodation.”

Rendering of how the finished block will look

Local SME John Perkins Construction is an award-winning contractor known for its collaborative approach. The company, established in 1992, has key bases in Bristol and Newport, with an expanding portfolio of projects across South-West England and South Wales.

Alex Jenkins, Commercial Director of John Perkins Construction, comments: “It’s fantastic to be on site for another project at Ashcombe Primary School, having last been here in 2012, when we built an extension to the children’s centre. We know that construction projects are, by their nature, disruptive, but they can also be a learning experience, and we’re keen to get the students involved, as their school enters an exciting new phase.”

BBA Architects Ltd is a RIBA Chartered Architectural and Town Planning Practice, established in 1992, and located in Bath.

Senior Architect at BBA Architects comments: “There is nothing more rewarding than working with a dedicated team to deliver a high-quality development, designed for the future needs of the community and the environment. The extension to the Ashcombe Primary School meets the highest standards of efficiency, durability, design, and safety. It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with the team, to provide a facility which will nurture creativity, excellence and values for many years to come.”

Tags: Somerset, Schools and Academies, Weston-super-Mare, education, Ground-breaking, Ashcombe Primary School, Kaleidoscope Multi Academy Trust