Member Article

Mock classroom revealed at new academy in Bradford

Pupils from Lower Fields Primary School have been given a sneak peak of the brand new £12m Bradford Forster Academy on Fenby Avenue, where construction is gathering pace.

The site tour, hosted by contractor, Wates Construction, gave children an exclusive preview of a model classroom, which is set to become part of the new state-of-the-art school for students aged 11 to 16 years.

Pupils were given the opportunity to see the size of the classrooms, as well as the academy’s modern learning facilities, including bespoke teaching walls complete with interactive white and dry wipe boards.

Once complete, Bradford Forster Academy, which is sponsored by the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), will become a 7,700 sq m seven-form entry secondary school with a 1,050 capacity.

The project is being managed by Integrated Bradford LEP and City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and is expected to reach completion in time for the new school year in 2015.

Designed by CPMG, the new school incorporates flexible teaching spaces arranged in three wings, landscaped courtyard gardens and specialist teaching areas, including a music suite, science labs and design and technology provision.

Alongside the main school, Wates will also build an indoor sports facility with a four-court multipurpose hall that will be available for community use.

Paul Dodsworth, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction North East & Yorkshire, commented: “Wates began construction at Bradford Forster Academy last summer and the progress we have made since is evidence of our extensive expertise in delivering exceptional school buildings.

“Ultimately this project is about creating an outstanding educational experience for the young people of Bradford and this site visit is a great opportunity for the team to hear the feedback of those that may one day learn here.”

Philip Turner, BDAT Chair of Governors at Bradford Forster Academy, added: “It is very exciting seeing the first of the new classrooms completed at the Academy. We are now very close to opening the doors and progress is moving at pace with children having been allocated their places, a new Principal and staff in place and our funding agreement with the Department of Education now confirmed. I very much look forward to chairing Bradford Forster Academy as the new, high quality education provider for the children of Bradford.”

Dave Shaw, an associate at CPMG said: “It has been a pleasure to develop the proposals for this new Academy, in conjunction with Wates, the Council and the Trust. It embodies the best practice in school design, as required by the client and will provide the children of the city with excellent teaching facilities in a secure and nurturing school environment.”

Bradford Forster Academy is a member of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), which operates a number of Church of England academies in the Bradford area. Forster Academy is the second secondary academy to join the trust alongside Bradford Academy.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Wates .