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Providing practical solutions for the education sector

Modular construction stands out as an efficient method for creating contemporary and durable educational facilities. Choosing modular buildings over traditional construction brings numerous benefits, leading to a surge in modular schools nationwide. Whether it’s a single or multi-storey structure required, modular solutions offer adaptable designs, ensuring the creation of an ideal learning environment.

Wernick Buildings serves as a reliable partner for all your educational construction needs. From design and construction to swift installation, we deliver a comprehensive turnkey solution, providing fully fitted buildings in significantly less time than traditional builds. Your project will be overseen by an experienced construction team, offering a smooth transition with inclusive training and thorough aftercare. Additionally, our school buildings boast a remarkable 50-year design life.

Preparing for the next academic year

Our modules are built in our South Wales factory and either stored or delivered directly to clients, streamlining the construction process by up to 50% compared to traditional methods. We offer modern teaching equipment and features, maximising your space’s potential. As part of our turnkey service, we extend support to groundwork and landscaping, encompassing car parks, multi-use game areas, and playgrounds.

Embarking on a new educational development journey is always timely. Our building systems cater to a spectrum of educational levels, from nurseries to universities, emphasising aesthetic flexibility and enhanced building performance. Partnering with Wernick ensures your education facility is operational well before the next academic year which showcases our commitment to efficient and reliable solutions.

How to procure a modular building

Embarking on the journey to procure a modular school building with Wernick Buildings involves a well-structured process designed for efficiency. The initial stage focuses on developing the building’s design and specifications, encompassing surveys, services, and planning applications. Following this, the tender submission and evaluation phase includes project planning, tender submissions, client evaluations, and transparent communication of feedback. Once the design is frozen, detailed planning ensues, and the project is strategically scheduled into the factory manufacturing program. Detailed design covers everything from groundwork to structural, electrical, and mechanical elements, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Moving forward, the building warrant application is submitted, followed by clarification evaluations and considerations for factory work commencement. The subsequent stages involve manufacturing building modules in the factory, fitting doors, windows, plumbing, and various systems. Concurrently, service applications for water, electricity, and other necessities are addressed. Pre-mobilisation conditions, including approvals and permissions, are met before the mobilisation stage, which involves site preparation and community engagement.

Groundworks follow suit, preparing foundations, services, drainage, and access. The installation phase sees the introduction of building modules and on-site fit-out, ensuring seamless integration. Services such as power, water, and data connections are established, leading to the commissioning, snagging, and finishing stage, where thorough testing of various aspects is conducted. The final steps involve handover, including client training for building operations, key exchange, and the sharing of certificates, manuals, and reports.

www.wernick.co.uk

 

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Unlocking sustainability in school buildings

Greg Brushett, sales director at commercial hot water specialist Adveco, considers the current and potential options schools can take advantage of to support the decarbonisation of the built estate…

In the UK, the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 require schools to have “an adequate supply of hot and cold water” in toilets and washing facilities, unfortunately, the production of hot water alone can drive as much as 30% of a building’s daily energy demands. Given space heating and water heating in buildings account for as much as 50% of the UK’s annual carbon emission implementing sustainable water heating, as it is a necessity, is one of the quickest and most direct methods for achieving measurable carbon reduction.

As hot water can be treated as a separate system it does not require the larger scale, costly renovations associated with space heating. This means schools can begin to make changes to current operations that immediately help to fulfil the demands of the Public Services (Social Value) Act. At its simplest, the government drive is to move buildings off gas and over to electricity. New build projects, unless exhibiting very large hot water demands which can often be found in school buildings, will struggle to receive permission (under Part L of the building regulations) for a new gas connection and as a result will specify electric-based systems.

Continued use of gas, remains a grey area. Whilst not a sustainable option, it remains a cost-effective pathway to a future green gas strategy. Here in the UK, the status of hydrogen remains to be confirmed. The Heating and Buildings Strategy published in late 2021 did however begin to indicate the growing support for the technology. The implication for schools is, if you currently use gas, then you can upgrade to new high-efficiency gas appliances up until 2035. However, the EU states are pressing for all publicly owned buildings ‘in scope’ to have zero on-site emissions derived from fossil fuels from the beginning of 2028. If that happens then the UK may be pressured to follow suit.  If, from 2026, UK policy does support the adoption of hydrogen then the path should remain clear for education projects looking at unlocking the potential of hydrogen as one of the most cost-effective options for achieving net zero.

Currently, government policy promotes the adoption of heat pumps, with the easiest to install and most cost-effective being air source heat pumps (ASHP). But this is a technology that operates most efficiently at lower temperatures, at odds with school hot water systems which require a 60°C+ working flow for safe operation and anti-legionella processes. A heat pump can however be pushed to deliver a higher percentage contribution, generating working temperatures of 45-50°C for preheating, but this at the cost of performance efficiency, requires electrical energy, and that again has operating cost implications. To accommodate this the simplest approach blends the ASHP preheat with an electric boiler supplying thermal energy to a mains water-fed compact indirect cylinder.

Compared to an equivalent-sized direct-electric (i.e., from the grid) system, one with an ASHP can achieve carbon reductions of 42-47%, whilst saving 25-35% of the energy costs. With the heat pump’s reduced operational efficiency, it will still be much more expensive to run than an equivalent-sized gas-fired system. The recommendation in this case is to keep electrical demand down by increasing the size of the hot water storage which is then heated more slowly, very different to the high energy input and low storage seen with gas-fired systems.

Further efforts to improve heat pump efficiency today can also be gained by specifying solar thermal collectors alongside the ASHP to guarantee the preheat temperature. Requiring a minimum three-metre drop to ensure flow does mean solar thermal is only suited to installation on a building, but properties with larger unobstructed flat or sloped roofs, such as schools, are perfect for locating solar thermal collectors. Not to be confused with electricity-generating solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal is a fluid-based system that transfers solar energy via indirect heating in the cylinder into the hot water system. The design of the system allows for the heat pump to contribute to the incoming cold water. That ensures 45°C while taking advantage of the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump. The solar thermal is then employed after the heat pump to heat the water from 45°to between 50°C and 60°C depending on the time of year.

Sized and installed correctly, a single solar thermal collector can contribute up to 1400kWh per annum, providing electricity savings of £300 and more importantly reducing emissions of CO² by 322kg. Whilst solar thermal can be deployed in isolation, by delivering hybrid preheat through both the ASHP and solar thermal system, demands on more costly electric heating are considerably reduced, if not avoided entirely. Given the current costs of electricity, solar thermal now offers a relatively fast return on investment and, since it is a capital expenditure it can, like the ASHP, contribute to positive sustainability reporting.

www.adveco.co

 

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Modular Timber Frame System provides landmark building for Gosport School

TG Escapes provide timber frame, net-zero buildings offering a highly flexible, bespoke, turnkey, architectural design and build solution to a wide range of customers. Biophilic design principles are combined with sustainable materials and the latest technology to create buildings that are beautiful, ergonomic and inspiring for their occupants whilst offering exceptional environmental integrity. One of their more recent projects was commissioned by Brune Park Community School which is part of the Gosport and Fareham MAT.

The school needed to replace an old SCOLA building, which had poor insulation values and provided an uncomfortable learning environment. They selected TG Escapes to design a building providing flexible classroom space, including conferencing facilities to also act as a local community business hub. The building includes nine classrooms which can be opened up, breakout and office spaces and a large atrium.

GFM were keen on an operational net-zero solution and were impressed by TG Escapes understanding of their requirements. They also considered a volumetric and traditional build but the timescales didn’t suit. The building, completed in 26 weeks onsite, achieved an A+ EPC at minus 3 at a cost of £2.8m including demolition, temporary construction and external landscaping.

Kevin Rochester, Head of Estates at GFM says;

“The green aspect is a big plus for us now that we are trying to move into the world of sustainability. We also just felt in the commissioning process TGE were really enthusiastic about the project as a flagship building whereas the others seemed to see it as just another project. The other buildings were also fantastic but TGE had the eco thing and the chemistry was right.”

Andrew Cowlard, Associate Director at MEB Design acted on behalf of GFM as contract administrators;

“I found that it was very positive because in our role, a traditional job is a lot more involved. And because TGE offers a one-stop-shop solution with their own project management, they almost manage it all themselves so there was less involvement required from my side. Overall it was quite seamless.”

Kevin Rochester;

“I am delighted with our experience of TG Escapes, from the initial tender exercise right through to the successful completion of the build. They have maintained an exceptional standard of communication throughout the project which has facilitated a smooth collaboration. Their prompt and professional response to queries has significantly contributed to the efficacy of the entire process and we commend TG Escapes for their unwavering dedication to adhering to the project timeline.

Operating within a bustling school environment, the absence of conflicts between the contractors and the broader GFM School community is a testament to their ability to seamlessly integrate their operations. The meticulous attention to detail is evident and speaks to their commitment to excellence. Their team’s courteous and respectful demeanour has made collaboration a true pleasure.”

At the recent opening of the building, senior staff and board members commented;

“We have both single classrooms and open classrooms enabling us to teach in creative ways. The large amounts of glass and open plan spaces allow us to see the outside and bring that outside into the classroom which is always really positive for mental health and well-being.”

“It is also an eco-friendly building that sustains its temperature, provides a sustainable environment for learning and creates a space that people actually want to learn in.”

“This building is very special, it is a landmark in Gosport already and it will certainly be a focal point for Brune Park School.”

TG Escapes have produced hundreds of school buildings including SEND facilities, classroom blocks, dining halls and drama studios. The biophilic approach ensures that these spaces are full of natural light and have easy access to the outdoors. The impact on students is pronounced, with a calming effect that helps to reduce stress and increase focus. The buildings are often seen in SEND and SEMH settings, providing a range of specially designed spaces intended to benefit students with diverse needs.

They have been recognised by several prestigious bodies, winning “Project of the Year” and “Public Sector Innovator of the Year” at the 2023 Modern Methods of Construction Awards, alongside “Contractor of the Year” at the 2021 Education Estates Awards. Clients rate them 4.9 out of 5 from over 187 customer reviews.

Working with TG Escapes is a simple process that starts with a complimentary site visit and a bespoke design. From small classrooms to larger buildings, ranging in price from £300k to over £6m, the team designs and installs beautiful, sustainable, and positive spaces for all educational needs.

For more information and case studies, call 0800 917 7726 or email info@tgescapes.co.uk.

www.tgescapes.co.uk

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UHI Inverness Student of the Year

AN apprentice who mentored pupils and led the winning team in a sustainability challenge while studying and working night shifts has been named as UHI Inverness Student of the Year.

UHI Inverness announced their student of the year winners to celebrate outstanding individuals for a range of reasons including academic achievement, overcoming adversity, personal endeavour and exceptional peer and mentor support.

Nadia is a fourth year Electrical Engineering Apprentice at the wood panelling manufacturer, West Fraser.

Nadia said: “It is nice for my achievements to be noted and appreciated after all the hard work I have put in while studying with UHI Inverness.

“Since leaving school in 2012 I have studied at the university a number of times, including completing a business-related degree. During my latest study experience I have had the chance to be heavily involved with STEM and STEAM projects where I have been able to meet many inspirational people. Being taught by lecturers with such impressive, real-life knowledge of the field really helped to enrich the entire experience.”

Nadia was nominated by Jack Marley McIntyre, UHI Inverness STEAM Coordinator, who mentored her during two major projects.

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A helping hand for specifiers from SFS

Despite the prevalence of design and build contracts across many construction sectors, there is still a high proportion of architectural practices, along with developer clients, which seek to achieve excellence in the specification and delivery of projects: whether in relation to targeting greater energy efficiency, the upper levels of BREEAM, enhanced whole life cost, or perhaps to meet site specific challenges.

In any of these situations, it is likely to be the outer envelope, and in particular the cladding system, which plays a pivotal role; and presents an area where consultants will likely seek greater support from manufacturers to ensure aspirations are achieved.  Inevitably, there is a balance to be struck between aspiration and cost constraints, including pressures to switch specifications as the programme evolves.

As a highly experienced specialist in the design and development of rainscreen cladding support systems, as well as carbon and stainless-steel fastening solutions, SFS Group enjoys excellent working relationships with a number of leading architectural practices, leading to the manufacturer’s involvement with a long list of landmark projects.

Andy Stolworthy, the Director of Product and Market Development for SFS, observes: “Not only is it advantageous for us to be able to engage early in the design process, to offer a consultative approach and optimise the outcomes; but the later that contractors attempt to change the specification, the higher the cost implications are likely to be.  Ideally, adhering to the approved design parameters will enable goals to be achieved, whether that is on sustainability or particularly thermal performance, where sub-contractors are often tempted to try and switch specifications without rechecking the calculations. For example, switching away from our extruded aluminium brackets to folded ones will not only mean more of the cheaper ones are required to carry the load, but the increased points of contact with the main structure negatively impact the thermal performance.  Ultimately, the U-Value calculations are invalidated, while the labour element of the installation cost also rises.”

In contrast to most competitors which do not have staff fully dedicated to specifiers, SFS has two managers covering the North and South of the UK, who not only look to identify projects where they can directly add value, but who also liaise with the 12 Regional Technical Sales Managers, along with other members of the technical team.  This enables them to work directly with the design teams and material manufacturers, or OEMs, and key contractors.

Alluding to the crucial aspect of safety, Andy Stolworthy continues: “Some of the larger clients are keenly interested in their estates, and also the longevity of the properties they develop, but most prefer to deal with manufacturers solely through the design process.  And this distancing can result in inappropriate fall protection systems being installed. Ensuring safety for those involved with long term maintenance or later adaptations of a building is paramount; particularly with regard to specifying robust horizontal lifeline systems for fall protection.   Our lifeline systems are integral to the secure and efficient maintenance as well as installation of building envelopes.”

From its unrivalled ConnectSuite® on-line design tools, to the delivery of half a dozen RIBA certified CPD seminars and other types of support, strategically structured to provide add value.  SFS is committed to going above and beyond to help create stand-out structures.

He concludes: “In order that occupants can enjoy buildings which are safe and comfortable to live in – where the fire-stopping and the rest of the detailing is right – where condensation does not form around all of the window openings or other issues occur – we have to ensure we engineer them correctly.  Ultimately, we are here to help ensure the best outcome for any project we are involved on.”

For further information, call 0330 0555888 or visit https://uk.sfs.com/

 

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Quantum Flooring Accessories unveils NEW comprehensive product guide

Quantum is the largest independent flooring accessories manufacturer in the UK, offering a complete range of products including stair nosings, entrance matting, capping strips and cove formers, flooring transitions, trims, and all types of flexible skirtings.

The guide showcases the company’s extensive range of high-quality flooring accessories designed to enhance safety, durability, and aesthetics on your projects in healthcare, education, hotels and leisure, office, retail and residential environments. Key features of the guide include:

  • Detailed Product Information: Gain insights into the features, and applications of all products.
  • Fitting Guidelines: Clear and concise guidelines on the application of Quantum products.
  • Technical Specifications: In-depth technical information is included, offering the details you need to choose the right products for your projects.
  • Inspiration and Design Ideas: Explore inspiring case studies and design ideas that showcase Quantum Flooring products in various applications, providing a source of inspiration for architects and designers.

“We are excited to launch our new product guide, which is a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for the contract flooring industry,” said Tim Hayes, Specification & Marketing Manager at Quantum Flooring Accessories. “With this guide, we aim to simplify the product selection process for our valued customers.”

The Quantum Flooring Accessories Product Guide is available for download on the official website tinyurl.com/quantumflooring or can be requested through Quantum Flooring’s customer service by emailing info@quantumflooring.co.uk or calling 0161 627 4222.

 

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IVC Commercial for a Mature Perspective at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School

Luxury vinyl and heterogeneous vinyl floors from IVC Commercial have been installed in the new sixth form and gymnasium buildings at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in Beddau, near Pontypridd in South Wales.

The new facilities at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School have been designed by Rio Architects as a modern multi-use premise that’s in-line with the latest teaching and learning standards. IVC Commercial’s Moduleo 55 luxury vinyl tiles and Isafe 70 sheet vinyl flooring were chosen by Rio Architects to create a sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the student’s maturing perspective throughout their school career.

Lee Protheroe, an Architect and Associate Director at Rio Architects, explains: “We chose flooring products that complement the overall spatial design, while also providing a crisp, light, and contrasting appearance. Moduleo 55 Desert Stone vinyl tiles were selected throughout for their textured and softer aesthetic that fits with the modern and sophisticated design of the building.”

Moduleo 55 Desert Stone is a high-performance luxury vinyl floor that’s exclusively designed and made in Belgium for excellent quality. With scratch and stain resistance, as well as being easy to maintain, it brings a natural stone look that’s suitable for high levels of footfall.

Distinction needed to be achieved between the teaching and circulation spaces, so Rio Architects opted for two different colours in the monolithic look of Desert Stone. This allowed for a smooth transition between spaces without awkward transfers or changing products, helping the floor to achieve its sophisticated look. Desert Stone has been installed in all learning and congregation areas.

In the changing rooms and toilet facilities, Rio Architects has chosen the practicality and affordability of IVC Commercial’s Isafe 70 heterogeneous vinyl flooring. Achieving 42+ PTV, this floor comes with a high level of slip resistance that makes it ideal for use in areas exposed to water (it is not suitable for wet room use). Equipped with the upgraded Hypergrip+ finish for an improved clear and matt appearance and with Sanitec antibacterial treatment, it delivers a durable, hygienic and low maintenance flooring option.

“We have successfully used IVC Commercial products before, notably at the award-winning STEAM Academy project that we designed for Bridgend College,” continues Lee Protheroe. “There is an extensive range that meets our project requirements in terms of aesthetics, safety and performance. The installation at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School has lived up to our aspirations for these modern learning environments and we will consider using these products again in the future.”

A total of 2,500m2 of IVC Commercial floors were installed throughout Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School by Puma Floors Ltd, Cardiff.

For further information, please visit www.ivc-commercial.com

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School Floors That Stand Out

Beauflor® sheet vinyl floors bring schools and colleges a durable, water-resistant, easy to maintain and cost-effective finish.

Schools and colleges need a floor that’s not only good to look at, but it must also be able to withstand constant footfall, be easy to clean and prove a cost-effective choice: Beauflor sheet vinyl floors are all of these things.

Suitable for schools needing an affordable solution to their floor in corridors, congregation and other heavy-duty areas, Xtreme is made in Belgium for a quality solution. The floor features a 0.70mm wear layer that’s capable of withstanding intensive use over a long period and is protected with Premium Coating to resist scratches, marks and stains. It also makes Xtreme easy to clean using routine maintenance. The floor is available in a wide range of digitally printed looks including natural wood planks and all-over designs. Using high-definition digital printing ensures these designs also avoid tell-tale pattern repeats for a better look in large areas.

Digital printing is also behind the Create bespoke floor concept. Ideal for schools and academies looking to utilise the floor as a way of expressing the values of their learning environment or to inspire pupils.

For schools looking for a take on existing designs, say a solid colour floor with the addition of a school logo or motif, the Studio programme is ideal: any Xtreme design can be chosen and adapted with text or logos. Crea is the completely bespoke service where Beauflor’s design team creates a floor from scratch, using your ideas and inspiration to create a one-off floor. Available on just a single full roll of Xtreme, Create brings a unique floor that can echo the values of education environments in a finish that is hardwearing and easy to maintain.

Chris Roberts, Regional Sales Manager, Beauflor: “The floor is one of the largest surfaces in the school environment and represents a great opportunity to do something creative. However, cutting in designs or logos into vinyl floors is costly and prohibitive, so not really an option for many schools, particularly in refurbishment. However, our Create programme makes it possible to have a floor that’s unique to your school and which reflects the values it bestows on pupils, while also benefitting from the affordable nature of sheet vinyl and the durability and ease of maintenance of our Xtreme specification.”

For more information, visit www.beauflor.com

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Bam to build £38m school building

Bam has been awarded a £38m contract to deliver a new school building in Lincolnshire.

The contractor was appointed to build a teaching facility for North Lindsey College, in Scunthorpe, under the Department for Education’s 2021 school buildings construction framework.

The three-storey building, designed to produce net-zero carbon in operation, will be able to host up to 1,400 students and staff.

It will include general and specialist classrooms – including commercial training kitchens and science laboratories – dining areas, a special educational needs area and an auditorium.

Bam construction director Kelvin Pollard said: “As we start construction on this exciting project, we’re looking forward to creating a highly sustainable, modern new building for North Lindsey College, with fantastic facilities that will inspire students in Scunthorpe for years to come.

“Once again, sustainability will be central to our approach, as we deliver a building that is net-zero carbon in operation, and the work we will undertake here is perfectly aligned with Bam’s own commitment to build a sustainable tomorrow.”

North Lindsey College is the latest in Bam’s growing portfolio of school-building projects, which includes a £122m Passivhaus campus in Fife and a £50m super-school in Northumberland.

Les Kirk, director of estates at DN Colleges Group, said: “We’re excited to be involved in this dynamic project aimed at designing a modern, inviting and inspiring building.

“Our aim is to develop outstanding facilities that will enhance learning, encourage social interaction, and facilitate various modes of work.”

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Warning sounded as schools not ready to exit PFI deals

Just two of the 41 councils given “health checks” by the government over their preparedness to exit private finance initiative (PFI) school deals were deemed to be on track, Schools Week can reveal.

Sector leaders fear schools will be left to “shoulder the storm” of councils not being ready to take back public control of the schools, as contracts start to come to an end.

In one case, a secondary school facing a £1 million “bullet payment” to get rid of its PFI contractor has written to ministers asking for help to foot the bill.

‘Major work’ still needed

Successive governments have used PFI to fund new schools since the late 1990s. Private firms build and maintain sites in exchange for mortgage-style payments normally over 25-year contracts – which rise beyond inflation – before handing them over to taxpayers.

In 2021, the Cabinet Office started running health checks on contracts set to expire in less than seven years, the point at which authorities are told to start their preparations.

Officials use the assessments to help councils “improve their readiness” and identify projects that may require more support from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority.

But our freedom of information request shows that, of the 41 checks completed in the schools sector, eight (19.5 per cent) were rated “amber/red”, meaning “major” additional work is needed.

Another 18 (44 per cent) were “amber”, meaning “moderate” work was still required. Just two were rated “green”, meaning they were “at target readiness given the time to expiry”.

Julia Harnden, a funding specialist for school leaders’ union ASCL, said: “On an administrative level, the length of time that has passed since these contracts were signed and the shrinking capacity at local authority level, as a result of funding cuts from central government, are providing further complications for schools.

“It is a perfect storm and … schools should not be having to shoulder this risk.”

‘Shrinking’ council capacity

Ian Denison, the director of PFI consultancy Inscyte, said this leaves schools’ fates in the hands of others. “The party with the least ability to influence the status of expiry is the one that’s going to pick up all the consequential impact,” he explained.

The first PFI school to reach the end of its contract was handed back last year. The second, Barnhill Community High School in west London, will come into public ownership in September.

Middlesex Learning Partnership Trust CEO Ben Spinks, whose chain runs the secondary, said that negotiations, which began in 2019, with PFI operator Bellrock were ongoing.

He stressed that “all of the parties are genuinely trying to work through this constructively”, with the final set of site surveys completed last month.

Despite this, Spinks fears that large chunks of his budget will be swallowed up by a £1 million “bullet payment”, should the trust replace Bellrock as facilities manager.

“We’re making the moral argument that we should be assisted in making the payment because we are, to the best of our knowledge, the only PFI school that has such a condition attached to it.

“The impact will be substantial. It impacts the educational opportunities we can provide our young people.”

Accounts show that the three-school trust’s free reserves stood at £1.04 million in August. Spinks estimated that the payment “roughly equates to two years’ pupil premium funding”.

Surveys still not completed

In Stoke, which has the largest school PFI contract in the country, city council chiefs are negotiating the expiry terms for 88 schools before their contract ends next October.

One leader said the lack of certainty around the arrangements has left them feeling “nervous” about how it will impact their bottom line.

“We feel, with these big private organisations, schools and trusts are just quite small in comparison,” they added.

A confidential meeting was held by the city council last month to discuss contract expiry obligations. Denison has since begun talks with some of the schools.

He believes that some work needed to take place before the end of the contract is “never going to happen” as surveys on the buildings have not yet been completed. PFI schools are expected to be handed back in good condition.

“Unless you start in year seven all the way through to expiry, you’ll never get the investment into the school that you need to get the estate to reach the standard it should,” Denison said. “The only party that benefits by dragging expiry into a later stage is the [PFI firm].”

‘Critical time’

Sheffield schools forum documents, released in December, show it has in place a “project team” to manage the expiry of three separate contracts. The first will end in 2026.

Council officials said they have been working on this since the end of 2021. In the same year, it received an ‘amber’ rating following an initial health check. The authority is expecting to have a follow-up assessment shortly.

And in Calderdale, authority papers from last February stated that it was unlike most councils, which “employ an officer with a dedicated role for management of PFI, Calderdale does not. This now needs to be reconsidered”.

“It is seven years to the expiry of the PFI contract. This is a critical time for the authority and for those schools … to be planning for life after PFI. This is a huge undertaking.”

In all, there are 172 PFI school projects in England. Just two will have finished their contracts by the end of 2024. A further 43 will come to a close over the next six years.

The total capital value of the primaries and secondaries built under the agreements stands at £8.5 billion, while the amount that schools will pay the private firms is estimated to be more than £32.7 billion in total.

Shareholders rake in huge dividends

The Treasury has published finance details for a handful of PFI contracts. They show shareholders across just five schools projects will rake in £35 million in dividends over the course of the contracts.

In a report published in 2020, the NAO noted that councils “may not be incentivised … to manage the expiry process effectively, knowing they will not retain ownership”. Those with a single PFI deal lack capacity or expertise for expiry talks, it added.

The government stressed the Infrastructure and Projects Authority “is already working with a large number of local authorities to ensure they get value for money” from their school deals, with preparations “beginning up to seven years” in advance.

Vercity Management Services Ltd, the firm listed as Transform Schools (Stoke) Limited’s secretary on Companies House, and Bellrock have been contacted for comment.

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