Oak Tree School

Project

Oak Tree School

Location

Truro, Cornwall

Client

Outcomes First Group

Contract

£1.77m

Duration

42 weeks

Project Description

A high-specification, structurally complex two-storey extension and live-environment refurbishment for a Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) school in the village of Threemilestone, to provide modern, state-of-the-art education facilities tailored to the pupils’ needs. Utilising modern methods of construction (MMC), the project expanded critical educational infrastructure while maintaining strict safeguarding standards.

The project involved the construction of a two-storey SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) extension, as well as careful alterations and upgrades to the existing school building and all external groundworks including extensive drainage and services work, extensive landscaping, car parking and a pump station, as well as the construction of a MUGA activity pitch.

Works include incorporating extensive, high-specification M&E systems within both the new building, and the existing ones, including the installation of a new underfloor heating system, BMS and door access control system, IT and data provision, fire alarm connected to existing system, mechanical ventilation to WCs, external lighting and street lighting.

The project incorporates the installation of a specialised door-locking system, intelligent touch-reactive screens, a lift, powder-coated aluminium glazing, and roof/rainwater goods alterations to link the two buildings. The internal wall and ceiling linings were designed and installed to achieve acoustic and fire rating performance levels, and were lined with fire-line plasterboard.

To maintain the highest safeguarding standards and eliminate operational disruption, Classic Builders executed a comprehensive site management plan in close liaison with school leadership and all personnel held Enhanced DBS clearance. Strict physical segregation, optimised site logistics, and robust traffic management systems ensured a strictly secure learning environment.

A critical phase involved seamlessly integrating the extension’s new fire alarm system with the existing building infrastructure. The team delivered specialised evacuation training to school staff and site teams, introducing a high-security activation protocol that requires multi-level clearance to prevent false alarms or unauthorised access.

The on-site delivery team engaged regularly with pupils at the school, including arranging regular site tours for them and their teachers, providing regular updates/talks updating them on site progress and what was coming next. One student that was particularly engaged and interested in the building process, was invited by the Site Manager to be involved with the soft landscaping phase of the works, and was offered the opportunity to plant trees and shrubs in the outdoor space

The exceptional delivery of this complex scheme secured the client’s absolute trust, resulting in the direct single-track negotiation of multiple subsequent projects with the client.