Morgan Sindall Begins £13.4m Teaching Block at Birchington Primary School

Construction is underway on a major new education facility in Kent, as Morgan Sindall Construction begins work on a £13.4 million teaching block at Birchington Church of England Primary School.

Delivered on behalf of the Department for Education, the project will provide a modern, two-storey learning environment designed to support both education and wellbeing for pupils and staff.

Modern Facilities for Future Learning

The new 1,455m² facility will include:

• 10 new classrooms

• A dedicated library and ICT suite

• Group learning spaces

• A main reception, kitchen, and hall

Externally, the scheme will also deliver enhanced playground areas, canopies, and a rain garden, improving both usability and environmental performance.

Two-Phase Delivery Programme

The development is being delivered in two phases.

Phase one — now complete — saw the installation of temporary accommodation to safely relocate pupils and staff from existing buildings affected by RAAC.

Phase two is now underway and will involve:

• Demolition of the existing structures

• Removal of temporary buildings

• Construction of the new permanent teaching block

Completion is scheduled for summer 2027.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with a number of low-carbon solutions being incorporated, including:

• Off-site manufactured timber frame construction

• Bio-solar roofing with photovoltaic panels

• Ground source heat pumps

The project team is also targeting carbon reductions through Morgan Sindall’s 10-tonne carbon challenge, working collaboratively across the supply chain to minimise environmental impact.

In addition, materials from the existing buildings are being repurposed where possible, including reclaimed bricks reused within the new façade.

Delivering Social Value Locally

Alongside construction, the project is creating real opportunities for the local community.

This includes:

• Work placements for students

• Site visits and engagement with local schools

• Collaboration with East Kent College

By combining education, sustainability, and community engagement, the scheme represents a forward-thinking approach to modern school construction.

Investing in the Future

With works now progressing on site, the project highlights continued investment in the UK’s education infrastructure — delivering facilities that are not only fit for today, but designed for the future.