Algeco UK has completed construction of a new school in Northampton just 18 months after winning the contract.

This is the biggest school build ever undertaken by portable and modular building supplier, Algeco UK, which was secured through the MMC Framework for the Department of Education (DfE).

Northampton School will eventually accommodate a total of 1,200 boys and girls between the ages of 11-18.

The buildings were created utilising modern methods of construction in a quality-controlled offsite environment, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship and health and safety.

Algeco developed the project through a two-phase approach following the receipt of the DfE’s feasibility, developing the design in collaboration with the school and all stakeholders and achieving planning permission prior to manufacturing utilising an MMC approach, where the school is manufactured in modules and taken to site following completion.

This method means the build was completed in just 18 months, rather than typically three years for a traditionally-built structure.

Algeco experts started laying the foundations in January 2023.

A total of 210 modules were created at the company’s factory in Carnaby and transported by road to the Northampton site.

The company also provided temporary decant classrooms while the main building was being constructed as well as all the construction site welfare and associated services.

The school is a £28m state school project run by the Northampton School for Boys (NSB) Academy Trust.

It will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the teaching of secondary school pupils with dedicated sports, drama, science, and music rooms.

The new school will be open for pupil intake for the first time on 4 September, with Year 8 students the first to start lessons.

Phil Pavey, managing director at Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS), said: “This is one of the most-exciting projects Algeco UK has worked on – planning and constructing a series of buildings to ensure the students of Northampton have the best-possible education has been very motivational for all of us.

“We sincerely hope the new Northampton School is a place where teachers and students alike will find a welcoming and inspirational environment, as well as being a fantastic focal point in the community.”

Gary Greenhoff, Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS) project manager, added: “Using modular construction means this facility is ready much faster than traditional methods, and the flexibility it offers means the school has everything it could want and much more.

“There have been a few challenges along the way, including the heavy rain this springtime, but we overcame them all and are ready to hand the school over to the teachers and pupils ready for term-time in September.”