Eric Wright Construction (EWC), part of Preston-based Eric Wright Group, has been awarded a project to deliver a new studio school facility at Queen Elizabeth School, in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Appointed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) framework, on behalf of The Secretary of State for Education, EWC has commenced a 54-week construction programme of a two-storey, 2,166 sq m secondary school building at the site of the existing Queen Elizabeth School at Biggins Road in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Due to be completed ahead of the 2019/20 academic year, the new facility will deliver a range of state-of-the-art learning spaces including a 141.32 sq m lecture/drama theatre, working kitchens to be used by the pupils, IT hubs, digital media studios, art rooms, an engineering suite and 106 sq m of flexible working areas.
The studio school, which provides a distinctive, employer focused educational experience, will cater for 300 pupils, aged 14-19 years. The vocational and academic courses on offer are designed to improve students’ employability and life skills.
Commenting on the project win, John Wilson, managing director, Eric Wright Construction: “Queen Elizabeth Studio School is an impressive, multi-functioning facility which will be invaluable to the Kirkby Lonsdale community. As a company we are passionate about providing opportunities for young people and the practical learning environment the school will offer is similar to the partnership we have established at Preston College’s with the Eric Wright Learning Foundation, which offers students a hands-on approach in a real work environment.”
“We have delivered a number of new build schemes through the ESFA Regional Framework including Burnley High School, Christ Church C of E Primary School at Ellesmere Port and Khalsa Science Academy in Leeds and look forward to building on our successful working relationship with the delivery of this scheme.”
