Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, has successfully completed the construction of the multi-million-pound St John’s Catholic Primary School project on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).

 

The project is the first school to be rebuilt to permanently remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) through the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.

 

The completion of St John’s Catholic school is a major milestone as the government permanently removes RAAC from schools and colleges in England.

 

Tilbury Douglas worked closely with its supply chain partners, the DfE and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to come up with a new methodology to safely remove the existing building, which was heavily impacted by both RAAC and asbestos, and construct a new two-storey facility that will serve generations of pupils to come.

 

The new building, which is net zero carbon in operation, offers more than 200 spaces for pupils aged four to 11. The scheme, designed by Noviun Architects, features natural ventilation, a bio-solar roof and an extensive photovoltaics canopy, supporting the school’s long-term sustainability ambitions.

 

Steven Hearn, Regional Director – South East at Tilbury Douglas, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to have delivered this new, net zero carbon school for St John’s Catholic Primary and All Saints Catholic Academy Trust. This project has not only provided a safe, modern and sustainable learning environment, but it has also allowed us to create a lasting positive impact within the local community. We are pleased to have played our part in supporting both the school and the wider community, and we look forward to seeing pupils thrive in their new learning environment.”

 

Education Minister, Josh MacAlister, said: “It is fantastic to see pupils settling into their new, state-of-the-art school at St John’s Catholic Primary.

 

“For too long, children have been learning in classrooms that are falling apart. We are making sure children have safe, high-quality classrooms through our School Rebuilding Programme, while delivering on our commitment to permanently remove RAAC from schools and colleges.

 

“This is all part of our Education Estates Strategy backed by a 10-year plan for a decade of national renewal. It is about more than new buildings. It is about giving children learning environments they can be proud of – classrooms that show them their education matters, and that their futures matter.”

 

Throughout the construction programme, Tilbury Douglas placed strong emphasis on delivering meaningful social value to the local community. Pupils were invited to visit the site to see the progress of their new school up close, providing them with a unique insight into the construction process and helping them feel connected to the project. Tilbury Douglas also hosted two T Level placement students, both studying Design, Surveying and Planning, who completed a nine-week placement on site.

 

Supporting the wider community was also a key priority. Working in partnership with its supply chain, Tilbury Douglas made a significant donation to the local Rickmansworth Foodbank, helping to support families in need. The Lighthouse Charity also attended site to engage with the workforce, raising awareness of the mental, physical and financial wellbeing support available to those working in the construction industry.