New school term, new £3m state-of-the-art teaching block designed by Ingleton Wood Wednesday, 9th October 2019

Students at Westcliff-on-Sea’s St Thomas More High School have been enjoying lessons at the new £3 million state-of-the-art teaching block, designed by our architects.

The project was funded by £3m borrowed from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council to help provide additional student places.

The new block now features basic and specialist teaching rooms, plus learning resource rooms and more facilities for young people who have special educational needs. The council is set to retrieve the money back through growth funding.

Ingleton Wood also designed an internal fitness suite and outdoor tennis courts have also been included to replace a playground. The new building has been designed to be as energy efficient as possible and this includes the installation of solar panels.

Partner Paul Cavalier said: “Ingleton Wood is proud to have worked with St Thomas More High School to deliver much-needed future student places for Westcliff and the wider borough of Southend.

“Our core business revolves around providing the best education and public service buildings and facilities, whether through our long-standing work with local schools, Southend -on-Sea Borough Council or Southend University Hospital.”

St Thomas More High School is a boys’ school for ages 11 to 16 with a mixed sixth form. The school’s head teacher, Gemma Ackred, said: “The staff, governors and most importantly the students are delighted with the new teaching block at St Thomas More High School. The building is light, spacious and airy.

“The design has placed the students’ needs at the heart of the space. It is accessible and comfortable, and has the feel of a college or university environment that suggests a school that invests in its learners.

“It will support building respect and excitement for learning and provide an outstanding school environment for many years to come.”

Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “The council is fully committed to offering the best possible education for all of its students. Many of our schools are currently going through expansion projects, with others set to take place over the coming years.

“By funding this energy-efficient expansion, we have been able to increase the number of students able to attend St Thomas More, and we are delighted that the works have now been completed, and to such a high standard.”