Kier has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver the new Wellfield Academy in Leyland - a flagship GenZero pathfinder scheme that will help shape the future of low-carbon school design across the UK.
Procured via the DfE’s Construction Framework 2021, the project will provide a modern, sustainable learning environment for pupils and staff, replacing existing buildings that have reached the end of their life and are no longer fit for purpose.
The new 6,540 sq m school will comprise a three-storey teaching block and a two-storey commons block, linked at first floor level, while retaining the existing sports hall. The facility will include a wide range of high-quality spaces, including classrooms, science labs, technology and music rooms, a library, drama studio, dining and assembly halls, and dedicated SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision such as sensory and calm rooms.
Externally, the scheme will feature extensive landscaping, outdoor learning areas and social spaces, designed using biophilic principles - an approach that integrates natural elements into the built environment to support wellbeing, enhance learning and strengthen connections to nature.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Kier Design, providing in-house civil and structural consultancy expertise to support the design, engineering and delivery across the full project lifecycle.
Wellfield Academy is one of the Department for Education's Gen Zero pathfinder projects, which are helping to test and develop the next generation of low-carbon school buildings. As part of the programme, the school has been designed to significantly reduce both the carbon generated during construction and the energy required to operate the building throughout its lifetime.
Key features include a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure, to act as a natural carbon store and reduce the building's embodied carbon footprint compared with traditional construction methods, alongside natural ventilation, ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and enhanced airtightness standards to improve energy performance. The project also incorporates low-carbon materials, biophilic landscaping and biodiversity enhancements, helping to create a healthier and more sustainable learning environment for pupils and staff.
Construction will begin with the demolition of one of the existing buildings to allow for the construction of the commons block, followed by the removal of existing teaching blocks once the new school is operational. The final phase will see the creation of new external play, teaching and social spaces. Completion is expected in phases through to the end of 2028.
Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said:
We are proud to be delivering Wellfield Academy, a landmark GenZero project that will help define the future of sustainable school design. GenZero is about more than reducing carbon - it is about rethinking how schools are designed, built and operated to create highly efficient, future-ready environments. By combining low carbon materials such as mass timber with advanced energy systems and modern methods of construction, this project will set a new benchmark for education buildings. Drawing on our experience delivering high-quality schools, we look forward to creating an inspiring learning environment for students and staff, while leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community.
Jamie Lewis, headteacher at Wellfield, said:
This is yet another exciting milestone and it was great to see the first spade in the ground as construction begins. When completed, our school will be the most modern, best equipped school in the area and we’re excited about what this will mean for our young people and generations to come. We look forward to welcoming pupils and families to our new school next year.
Throughout the project, Kier will work closely with the DfE, project partners and the school community to maximise social value, including creating local employment opportunities, apprenticeships and work experience.
Kier brings extensive experience in delivering high-quality education projects across the UK, including the award-winning Deyes High School in Liverpool and the current live scheme at Upton-by-Chester High School.
Learn more about how Kier is delivering projects and outcomes in this sector: