Kier has been appointed as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Construction Framework to deliver a new three-storey specialist education building for Imperial College London Mathematics School, which officially opened in September 2023, in Finchley, north London, in partnership with Imperial College London.
The specialist building will provide state-of-the-art teaching, laboratory and study spaces for approximately 200 students aged 16-19 years old, supporting the school's mission to prepare young people for progression to leading universities and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The new facility will create a permanent home for the school, which currently operates from temporary accommodation, enabling it to expand its educational offer and outreach activities across the region. It also aims to attract high-attaining students from diverse backgrounds, supporting progression to high-tariff universities and competitive degree apprenticeships.
Key features will include dedicated mathematics teaching spaces, science laboratories, lecture and assembly facilities, independent study areas, staff spaces, and high-quality external landscaping designed to support wellbeing, informal learning and community outreach activities. The building will also support evening and weekend use, providing a flexible hub for educational events, lectures and wider community programmes.
Part of the DfE’s initiative to develop a network of specialist maths schools across England, the project’s aim is to contribute to the growth of the UK’s modern technologically-driven economy and act as a catalyst for economic growth.
David Lee, headteacher at Imperial College London Mathematics School, added:
This permanent building will provide specialist spaces where young people can thrive. It will help us continue to build a strong community, bringing together students who share an enthusiasm for mathematics and science, a spirit of curiosity, and a love of thinking deeply, tackling challenging problems and exploring new ideas.
Imperial’s Associate Provost for Societal Engagement, Professor Maggie Dallman, said:
The Imperial Maths School has already achieved fantastic results since opening in 2023. The permanent building promises to further support the continued growth and development of the school and to provide the very capable students with a truly unique learning environment.
Designed to target net zero carbon in operation, the purpose-built building will incorporate low‑carbon technologies, roof‑mounted photovoltaics and a bio‑solar roof to reduce energy demand and optimise performance. Green roofs, green walls and enhanced landscaping will deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and exceed Urban Greening Factor targets, creating a sustainable and inspiring place to learn.
Alongside the building’s environmental credentials, Kier will generate meaningful social value through construction apprenticeships, T Level placements, work experience, careers outreach and community volunteering. Delivered in partnership with Imperial College London, Frontier Learning Trust and local stakeholders, the project will provide long‑term benefits for students, the community and the wider environment.
John Bolton, regional director, public, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, said:
We’re very proud to be trusted to deliver such an important new school building that will ensure young people of all backgrounds have the chance to succeed in careers in mathematics and science. We believe that education is the foundation of thriving communities and brighter futures – and we look forward to working closely with Imperial College London and Frontier Learning Trust to create a highly-sustainable learning environment which leaves a lasting legacy for the local community.
As part of the wider development, improvements will be made to the surrounding highways, including upgrades to Woodhouse Road and the creation of a new primary pedestrian and vehicular entrance from Fenstanton Avenue.
The project will also include new utility connections, drainage infrastructure, access improvements and associated highway works to support the successful operation of the school and enhance accessibility for students, staff and visitors.
Following Kier’s re-appointment on DfE’s Construction Framework, Kier’s expanding private market portfolio in the education sector includes London South East College’s new Greenwich Campus; a new school for complex additional needs for the Eden Academy Trust, Pinn River School; and the Passivhaus comprehensive school, Mulberry Academy London Dock, for London Borough of Tower Hamlets.