School Council Team at Waverley Junior Academy

Waverley Junior Academy has partnered with O&P Construction to deliver a major expansion project that promises to support the academy’s growing student body and community. The £2 million project will add six new classrooms, two libraries, restroom facilities, and a dedicated nursery with changing rooms and an office space, enabling the academy to accommodate over 200 additional students in the coming years.

The expansion, set to complete in July 2025 will start to facilitate a three-class intake for all years starting with Foundation Stage 2 from September 2025. This development comes as a response to increased demand for placements, with 40 students unable to secure a place at the academy last year.

O&P Construction, committed to contributing positively to the Rotherham community, is also supporting local employment by contracting approximately £500,000 worth of work to local tradespeople.

In November 2024, students from Waverley Junior Academy’s School Council had the opportunity to tour the construction site, gaining insight into the project’s environmental and social benefits. They learned about sustainable construction practices and how the expansion will benefit the community long-term, with features like bike shelters, extended car parking with electric vehicle charging stations, and new spaces for sports activities.

John Weldon, Site Manager at O&P Construction and a local who grew up in Orgreave, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s an honor to work on a project in my hometown and to see the future of this community growing. Through our work here, we’re not only building educational facilities but creating a foundation that will serve Waverley’s children and families for years to come.”

Rachel Bolton, Principle at Waverley Junior Academy adds: “We are looking forward to becoming a 3-form entry academy and to welcoming lots of new pupils and families into our fantastic school. It has been great to work with O&P on ensuring the pupils are involved in this process and they are all enjoying seeing the building work take place. The School Council were excited to take part in the tour and are now planning an assembly to share their new knowledge with their peers.”

O&P Construction has emphasised its dedication to social value through this project by engaging with students, providing work experience opportunities, and reinvesting in the Rotherham community.

For more information on this expansion and its impact on Waverley Junior Academy, please visit www.waverleyjunioracademy.org or www.opconstruction.co.uk