Kingston Grammar Refurb Case Study

While pupils across the UK are counting down to the long summer break, contractors and fit out specialists are entering the most time-sensitive period of their year – a six-week window to deliver critical refurbishments and new-build projects – many under the government’s School Rebuilding Programme (SRP).

Under the £1.4 billion initiative, overseen by the Department of Education, more than 100 schools will become construction sites with building and upgrade projects scheduled for 2025*. Numerous works will be undertaken during the summer as it’s the only viable time to complete high-impact projects without disrupting teaching.

The urgency is clear, according to the National Audit Office, more than 700,000 pupils are currently learning in buildings that require major repair or pose safety risks.

“Schools don’t just need a lick of paint, they often need to find extra space where there isn’t any to create environments that engage students and help them thrive,” said Victoria Beacham, Managing Director at Prestige Interiors. “The summer sprint is the most challenging time of the year for our industry, where we are often asked to undertake a year’s work in just over a month.”

From upgraded technology and lighting to reconfigured sports halls, much of the work involves creating multi-purpose environments that support modern teaching methods and help improve mental health and wellbeing.

Victoria continued, “This work is more than bricks and mortar, it future-proofs education and enhances more than just learning, it’s an investment in students. When the new spaces open or upgrades are made, you see the immediate positive impact it has on pupils and staff.”

“As the School Rebuilding Programme heats up, the summer sprint will test the industry’s ability to deliver under pressure and become more of a race to rebuild. At Prestige, we know that preparation is key from early supplier engagement to detailed plans that often have to anticipate the unexpected. The window may be short, but with the right groundwork, impact can be long-lasting,” concluded Victoria.

For more information about Prestige Interiors, please visit, www.prestigeinteriors.co.uk.