It begins… £2.65m Manningtree High School expansion project managed by Ingleton Wood Monday, 30th September 2019

Students returning to Manningtree High School this term were witness to the heavy plant and machinery heralding the expansion of the school and replacement of its dilapidated performing arts block.

Ingleton Wood designed and project managed the build and both projects are now due for completion before summer 2020.

As experts in the education sector we also helped the school secure £1.2m funding from the government-run Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), which helps schools prioritise the replacement of dilapidated building stock. The additional funds for the new-build expansion were provided by Essex County Council.

Once finished, the school will have capacity to increase its yearly intake by 30 students (an additional 150 pupils across all years) in response to local demand and have use of a new performing arts block that will contain a drama studio, an activity studio and an extension to the dining hall.

Head teacher Sally Morris said: “We are delighted to have secured external funding to enable us to enhance our facilities and give the students and staff more areas to take part in high-quality learning in a better working environment.”

Ingleton Wood has a long-lasting relationship with the school and has delivered other CIF-funded projects including the replacement of its dilapidated art block, replacement of fire doors and the installation of a new fire-alarm system. 

Andrew Marchant, Associate Building Surveyor, who is overseeing the project, said: “We are really excited to continue our ongoing partnership with the school.

“We are extremely proud to have secured this desperately needed funding to continue upgrading the school’s dilapidated building stock and look forward to working with them on delivering the new builds, which will improve the teaching environment for staff and pupils.”

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We’re delighted to support the expansion of Manningtree High School and pleased it won’t be long before pupils are benefitting from new facilities.

“It is vital that as a county council we continue to support existing schools, as well as plan for new ones, to ensure they are able to meet the growing demand for school places. This local demand is something we’re seeing here in Manningtree, as well as across other areas of the county. Well done to everyone involved in this exciting project.”

A spokesperson from builders Phelan Construction said: “It's a pleasure to be back once again on site at Manningtree High School to deliver another two phases of redevelopment. Last summer, we completed the extensive works on the new art and languages teaching block.”