Kier appointed to deliver low-carbon school for Department for Education
Kier has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver a new low-carbon secondary school in Lancashire as part of the Government’s GenZero programme, which is testing the next generation of sustainable education buildings across England.
The contractor will build the new Wellfield Academy in Leyland through the DfE’s Construction Framework 2021, replacing existing school buildings that have reached the end of their operational life.
The project will provide a new 6,540 sq m education facility comprising a three-storey teaching block and a two-storey commons building, while retaining the existing sports hall. Construction is expected to complete in phases through to the end of 2028.
Mass timber and low-carbon technologies to drive emissions reduction
Designed as one of the Department for Education’s GenZero pathfinder projects, the school will trial low-carbon construction methods and operational technologies intended to reduce whole-life carbon emissions across future education projects.
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The development will incorporate a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural frame to reduce embodied carbon, alongside ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation and enhanced airtightness standards to improve operational energy efficiency.
The project will also include low-carbon materials, biodiversity enhancements and biophilic landscaping designed to improve wellbeing while supporting environmental performance.
The new academy will provide modern teaching facilities including science laboratories, technology and music rooms, a library, drama studio, assembly and dining halls, together with dedicated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) spaces, including sensory and calm rooms.
Externally, the development will feature new landscaping, outdoor learning environments and social spaces.
Construction will begin with the demolition of one existing building to enable construction of the new commons block.
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Remaining teaching buildings will then be removed once the new school becomes operational before external works are completed.
Kier highlights future of sustainable education delivery
Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier North & Scotland, said: “We are proud to be delivering Wellfield Academy, a landmark GenZero project that will help define the future of sustainable school design. GenZero is about more than reducing carbon – it is about rethinking how schools are designed, built and operated to create highly efficient, future-ready environments.
“By combining low carbon materials such as mass timber with advanced energy systems and modern methods of construction, this project will set a new benchmark for education buildings.
“Drawing on our experience delivering high-quality schools, we look forward to creating an inspiring learning environment for students and staff, while leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community.”
Jamie Lewis, headteacher at Wellfield Academy, added: “This is yet another exciting milestone and it was great to see the first spade in the ground as construction begins. When completed, our school will be the most modern, best equipped school in the area and we’re excited about what this will mean for our young people and generations to come. We look forward to welcoming pupils and families to our new school next year.”
Social value commitments
Kier said it will work with the Department for Education, project partners and the school throughout construction to deliver local employment opportunities, apprenticeships and work experience as part of the scheme’s social value commitments.
The contractor is currently delivering several education projects across the UK, including Upton-by-Chester High School, following previous work at Deyes High School in Liverpool.
