Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, is the first contractor on site for a major pro bono project to redevelop Hilltop School in Rotherham – a special educational needs school supporting 180 children with complex needs.

The £3million transformation, delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Children’s Charity through its Great Yorkshire Build initiative, will replace temporary, cramped buildings with modern, purpose-built facilities designed for pupils’ complex learning and accessibility needs.

Works will include a full site reconfiguration to improve access, three new classrooms, a rebound therapy room, and the creation of modern, inspiring learning environments.

The scheme brings together more than 50 Yorkshire-based construction firms, working collaboratively to deliver the project with a DIY SOS-style effort that sets a benchmark for social value within the construction sector.

Henry Boot Construction’s main contractor duties are to be delivered free of charge, including their preliminaries and site management. The contractor has also received huge support and discounts from their dedicated supply chain, resulting in costs to the charity being a fraction of what they would be on the open market.

It also sets a national example of how the construction sector can unite to address critical gaps in education infrastructure.

Yorkshire Children’s Charity believes every child deserves the best possible education, and that well-designed, high-quality school facilities are essential to achieving this. Its Great Yorkshire Build initiative is focused on transforming the outdated and inadequate buildings often found in SLD, SILC (Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres) and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) schools across the region.

Ian Gresser, Head of Pre-Construction at Henry Boot Construction, said:

“Being part of this milestone project for Yorkshire Children’s Charity makes us incredibly proud. It isn’t just a refurbishment; it’s a complete transformation that will make a lasting impact on children and families across the region.

“It’s an outstanding example of what can be achieved when our industry unites behind a cause to drive meaningful social change.

“It’s construction at its most purposeful, and we’re especially grateful to our supply chain partners who have also stepped forward to help make this possible.”

Hilltop School is part of the Nexus Multi Academy Trust and supports children and young people aged 2–19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. The school was previously featured in the BBC’s SEND Help documentary in 2023, which highlighted the crisis facing the sector and the urgent need for better facilities.

Charlotte Farrington, CEO and Founder of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, commented:

“Every child deserves access to education by right, not a privilege fought for by desperate families. Thanks to the incredible Yorkshire construction community, this will soon be a reality for children at Hilltop.”

Works began in late July 2025 and the project is due for completion in September 2026.