ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC COLLEGE, LONDON

A JCT Design & Build contract comprising a complex 7-zoned build/refurbishment expansion, to DfE standards and energy output specification, catering for additional 150 students.  The works include construction of 3-storey teaching block, extensive refurbishment of an existing 4-storey building including renovation of elevation and works to MUGA and Dance Studio, and installation of two sedum roof gardens.

As Principal Contractor, Alcema successfully delivered the project through a carefully planned phased approach, ensuring continuity of school operations throughout the works.

The programme commenced with the conversion of the Dance Studio into a temporary classroom, allowing teaching to continue while construction progressed. This space was reinstated as a studio on completion. Temporary classrooms were installed for the majority of the project and remained in place for approximately 75% of the construction period.

Early preparatory works were undertaken ahead of the first summer holiday period, particularly within the area designated for the new extension and allowing the main build to progress rapidly during the Summer Recess break. At this time we carried out internal refurbishments to two existing buildings and secured an additional access route through the grounds of adjoining Primary School, clearing segregating construction and school activities. This access also enabled us to complete the works to the MUGA (located adjacent to the Primary School) and hand the area back to the school at the end of the holiday period ready for the new term.

Key construction activities included underpinning the existing teaching block, clearing the site for the new extension, and constructing the concrete frame. New link bridges between the buildings were formed, structural openings were created, and full segregation was maintained between the work zones and the live school campus throughout.

The extension was completed with a high-quality brick-slip glazed rainscreen and metal façade, a green roof, and a high-level external teaching terrace. At ground-floor level, an impressive, external undercroft area was constructed improving seating availability.

The project also delivered a complete new M&E installation, six new classrooms over three floors and the refurbishment of 11 existing classrooms and ancillary spaces.

The school is situated across the boundaries of two London Boroughs within a densely built-up area, presenting significant logistical challenges.

On taking possession, we utilised an access road separate from the main school entrance to minimise disruption. A strict delivery schedule was implemented, supported by a security cabin at the top of the access road to manage and book all deliveries, preventing congestion and allowing the main entrance to remain fully operational for pupils, staff, and visitors during term time.

The project was undertaken in close proximity to both primary and secondary schools. Full fire escape routes were maintained at all times, with hoardings providing safe access to the main school in the event of an emergency.

Construction works were clearly segregated from the operational school areas using solid hoardings, gates, and separate access and egress routes, monitored by a full-time gateman. Solid hoardings and gate systems were also used to separate the work zones from the general playground and circulation areas, ensuring the safety of pupils and staff while maintaining progress across multiple construction zones.

During the summer holidays, the main entrance was temporarily used for additional vehicle access to serve works in the Reception and Student Services areas, before being closed to construction traffic at the start of the new term

The project has successfully delivered a range of retrofit and energy efficiency upgrades to the existing buildings, including the installation of higher-specification windows and a new insulated brick-slip system on the existing façade spandrels.

Monodraught MVHR systems were installed in the existing classrooms, alongside LED lighting upgrades in eight classrooms. The fire alarm system was also upgraded to enhance safety across the site.

Mechanical heating and cooling to the new extension is provided via Monodraught units connected to the outside air through the new windows, with the existing heat exchange plate supplying hot water for heating. New domestic hot and cold-water services were installed to the washrooms and kitchens. The extension also received new power, lighting, and data services, with lighting controlled by PIR sensors. New distribution boards were installed, fed from the existing incoming mains.

The project also delivered a complete new M&E installation, six new classrooms over three floors, and the refurbishment of 11 existing classrooms and ancillary spaces.

The newly formed undercroft of the new build provides natural shading while minimising the loss of outdoor space, supporting the increased student capacity. Sedum roof installations, along with a green roof and Brise Soleil on the south and south-west elevations, provide passive cooling, reduce heat gain, enhance biodiversity, and improve rainwater absorption, all contributing to the long-term climate resilience of the buildings

Early engagement with the client teams was essential in developing the construction programme. A series of workshops and meetings were held during the mobilisation period, engaging with end users to ensure full buy-in from all parties.

The relationship was managed via the Project Steering Group (PSG), which met monthly. Our involvement at these meetings was focused during the initial part of each session, with formal progress meetings also held monthly with the professional team and a college representative. Stakeholders included representatives from the local council, the Board of Governors, the professional team, and the college. Day-to-day management and coordination of on-site activities were conducted through regular discussions with the college, with broader strategic decisions and oversight addressed at the PSG meetings.

The school provided a base for the Metropolitan Police for the Nottinghill Carnival.  We liaised with the Police representative to ensure that our works in this area of the school were programmed around this important event.

With extensive refurbishment there was a surplus of good quality furniture, now redundant.  Working with the client, we distributed this to a nearby school, enabling them to update their equipment.

With a complex multi-zoned build, the project was resource hungry.  We ensured that wherever possible labour was secured from the locality through use of local advertising.  Of particular note our Logistics lead, was employed for the complete project duration

By enhancing the environmental performance of the school through both new build and refurbishment works, the development provides pupils with an improved learning environment in comfortable and inspiring surroundings. The project also enables the school to reduce energy and maintenance costs, allowing financial resources to be directed towards learning tools and educational provision.