ECO Friendly Design

Is off-site construction the answer to the school places crisis?

By 2023, the number of pupils in England’s schools is projected to increase by a staggering 880,000. How will our buildings cope? Kevin Harvey presents the possibility of off-site construction – an approach already helping primary and secondary schools across the country overcome an array of place planning issues.

Demographic changes have led to a serious shortfall in school places across the UK.  Government figures published in 2014 projected that, by 2023, there will be a total of 8,022,000 pupils in England’s schools – up from 7,143,000 in the current academic year and an increase of 880,000 pupils.

The rise in birth rates, the numbers of people moving to cities such as London, Leeds and Bristol, and the level of new housing, have significantly increased the pressure on education provision. It has been estimated that around 4,000 additional primary school places will be needed in Leeds alone by 2016.

Construction cost, speed of delivery to meet the demand for additional places, potential interruptions to teaching as building work progresses, and getting the right design to stand the test of time and promote the highest standards of education, are all key considerations.

Why consider off-site building solutions?

Off-site construction is successfully challenging site-based building methods through innovation, and the value it can add to the procurement process for education providers has been proven.  

Completion times can be halved, which will result in earlier occupation for the school – an important advantage when there is so much pressure on school places.  Construction work is also safer, quieter and less disruptive if more work takes place in a factory – with a direct and positive impact on teaching.  

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